150 Backpacks Donated To Hauppauge Students By Local Foundation

HAUPPAUGE, NY — Hauppauge students in need received 150 backpacks from the Rachel Quinn Children's Foundation, the Hauppauge School District announced.

While 50 backpacks were distributed between Pines Elementary School, Forest Brook Elementary School and Bretton Woods Elementary School, the remainder was split between Hauppauge Middle School and Hauppauge High School.

Students can pick a brand-new backpack filled with necessities for the coming year. The foundation provided quality items that will function and last throughout the year while blending seamlessly with the items that students' classmates have.

The Rachel Quinn Children’s Foundation, based in Patchogue, is dedicated to the well-being and educational enrichment of children on Long Island as well as spreading, inspiring and rewarding the characteristics of kindness that Rachel Quinn embodied.

Rachel Quinn was an elementary school teacher in Hauppauge and believed a good teacher could create a lasting and positive impact in a child’s life. Her husband, Nathan Quinn, was inspired by her kindness and wanted to find a way for her to still help children after her death in 2021. The foundation was created in Rachel's honor.

Bretton Woods Elementary School teacher Danielle Sukoff serves as a liaison between the
district and the foundation. She was Rachel's friend and colleague at Bretton Woods and is also a
member of the foundation’s board.

"Collecting school supplies is a great way to get kids excited and motivated for the upcoming year," Sukoff said in a news release. "Knowing that they will have what they need and those items will blend seamlessly with the rest of their class reduces anxiety and builds confidence in a student."

Rachel and Nate were expecting their first child, Ellie Quinn, in the summer of 2021. Rachel and Ellie died unexpectedly on June 14, 2021, according to the foundation.

"Rachel is remembered as a beloved wife, daughter, mother to be, sister, friend, teacher, and so much more," the foundation wrote. "Rachel was a beautiful person inside and out with a true heart of gold. She was an avid member of the community and has touched the lives of all those who were lucky enough to cross paths with her. Rachel approached everyone she met with open arms and only saw the best in people. Her love for teaching and helping children will always be remembered and honored through the goals and missions of this organization. The world will forever be a better place having had Rachel in it. Her memory and bright spirit will continue through helping underprivileged children. In honor of Rachel N. Quinn, Always Be Kind."