School Collection Drive Underway

Event organizers say, the program provides local students whose families struggle to afford school supplies with the much-needed educational tools to excel and perform well in the classroom.

Starting August 1, the Port Washington community is invited to participate by bringing their donations of new school supplies or cash to purchase supplies to its local branch at 110 Main St.

Astoria Federal will match up to $10,000 in cash donations to purchase additional supplies to be distributed to local children without school supplies for this upcoming school year.

Astoria Federal Savings will once again team up with local schools, shelters and human service organizations to distribute supplies to children in need. Many local families are in difficult financial situations and may be unable to providetheir children with school supplies and backpacks, which typically cost as much as $100 per child. As a result, some children may arrive at school this September without supplies or are forced to recycle last year’s.

“We recognize that children who go to school without the necessary school supplies are at a tremendous disadvantage, both academically and socially. It’s a prevalent problem but we are always very impressed by the incredible support our annual Tools for School program receives from individuals, businesses and local civic organizations who contribute to our supply drive each year,” said Astoria Federal Savings Executive Vice President Brian Edwards. “It’s a great feeling to help a child start the year with fresh new supplies and a brightoutlook.”