Area Companies Needed to Collect School Supplies for Needy Kids

The NorthernNew Jersey Business Volunteer Council (BVC) is sponsoring a collection to provide school supplies for hundreds of children who are from low-income families, in foster care, or who are homeless.  Community-minded companies are invited to participate in the “Tools for Schools” initiative, which runs until August 31st.  Employee volunteers will collect school supplies and deliver them to non-profit organizations including Center for Food Action, Children’s Aid and Family Services, and Youth Consultation Services.

 

Sponsors for Tools for School are BD, Eastern Bergen County Board of Realtors, PSEG, Rockland Electric, United Water and Wells Fargo Advisors.

 

“The new school year begins the first week of September; children will be given a list of school supplies that they need to purchase for the year,” says Ellen Lutvak, BVC Coordinator.    “In these difficult economic times, families are struggling to pay for a roof over their heads or put food on the table.  School supplies are low on the list of priorities, and unfortunately, the children will do without.  Think of how a child will feel when all of the other children have new pencils, notebooks and backpacks, and s/he does not.”

 

The BVC will coordinate the drive with companies to collect the school supplies, based on lists that have been developed in coordination with the social service agencies. Any company wishing to participate can contact Ellen Lutvak  at the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, at (201) 489-9454 Ext. 133 to receive an organizational packet with complete instructions on how to organize and conduct the campaign.

 

The BVC, sponsored by the Volunteer Center of Bergen County, provides information and support to companies – large and small – that wish to engage their employees in the community through volunteer service.  The BVC plans and manages employee volunteer projects, arranges a county-wide corporate day of service in September and sponsors three turnkey initiatives which address literacy, hunger and education. 

 

For more information on membership in the BVC, please call Ellen Lutvak   at 201-489-9454 Ext.133 or e-mail BVC@bergenvolunteers.org, or visit www.nnjbvc.org.