Family Service League Distributes 4,800 Backpacks, Launches Holiday Toy Drive

HUNTINGTON, NY — Family Service League helped more than 2,000 Long Island families prepare for the new school year by distributing more than 4,800 backpacks filled with school supplies through its annual Back-to-School Drive.

The Huntington-based nonprofit partnered with FourLeaf Federal Credit Union on the effort, distributing backpacks through Family Service League locations and programs in Bay Shore, Huntington, Riverhead and the Longwood area.

Seventy-five volunteers contributed a combined 250 hours to the drive, according to Family Service League.

“Prices have gone up on just about everything, making back-to-school season especially challenging for families as they face the cost of clothing, shoes and an endless list of school supplies,” Lisa Jamison, a division director at Family Service League, said. “Our program helps ease some of that burden by providing students with backpacks filled with the supplies they need to start the year feeling prepared and confident.”

With the holiday season approaching, Family Service League is now preparing for Project TOY, its annual holiday toy drive, which serves more than 6,000 children and teens across Long Island.

Through the program, participating families are able to select new toys and gifts for their children in a holiday setting. The program relies on donations from residents, businesses and community organizations.

FourLeaf Federal Credit Union also supports Project TOY each year, according to Family Service League.

Residents and businesses interested in supporting Project TOY can make monetary donations through Family Service League’s website or purchase toys through the organization’s Amazon Wish List. Donations can also be made by texting FSLTOY26 to 41444.

Family Service League, founded in 1926, provides mental health, addiction treatment, housing, job training, trauma counseling, early education and family and senior support programs. The nonprofit says it serves about 60,000 people annually through more than 60 programs at 20 locations across Long Island.

“Every parent wants to see their child experience the joy and excitement of the holidays, but for many of the families we serve, even a few gifts can be out of reach after paying for basic necessities,” Family Service League President and CEO Kerri Smith said. “Project TOY is only possible because our community steps up year after year.”