Bergen County Companies to Collect School Supplies for Children in Need

Business Volunteer Council (BVC), a program of the Bergen Volunteer Center, 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 26th. Because of the generosity of our corporate sponsors; Suez, Five Star Premier Residences, PSEG, and BD, employee volunteers will collect school supplies and deliver them to non-profit organizations including Bergen Volunteer Center, Center for Food Action, Children’s Aid and Family Services, and Youth Consultation Services.

This September starts a new school year for the children in our community. However, not all of these children will have the supplies they need to be successful. One in five children do not have access to basic school supplies because of their family’s economic circumstances. “It’s hard to imagine as a parent, having to tell your children that we don’t have the funds to go school shopping. But this is the reality for many families in Bergen County” says Erica West, Director of Corporate Engagement. “Attending class without the required materials is anxiety provoking for children and it sends a message that their education isn’t valued. I believe as a community we are responsible for ensuring every child feels their success is not only possible but important. By providing basic school supplies to these students, they have one less obstacle in their way of succeeding in school.”

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 Erica West at the Bergen Volunteer Center at (201) 489-9454 Ext. 205 to receive an organizational packet with complete instructions on how to organize and conduct the campaign.

The Volunteer Center’s Business Volunteer Council gives businesses a platform to successfully engage employees through volunteer service and workplace giving. The BVC provides customized volunteer projects including skills-based volunteering and support for corporate social responsibility initiatives. The BVC makes doing good a good part of doing business by building high-impact employee-led programs that are locally significant and socially relevant. Companies with the right engagement tools and guidance can create incredible social change while having a fun, memorable team building experience!

The Bergen Volunteer Center is celebrating 50 years of service in our community. We are redefining volunteerism by inspiring and developing the members of our Community to make an impact. The Bergen Volunteer Center turns caring into meaningful action by engaging volunteers to meet community needs.

Our core mission has remained constant but our ability to stay current and adapt in an ever changing economic and social environment has been the key to our enduring success. The Bergen Volunteer Center will continue to serve Bergen with strength and a robust, ever expanding purpose: Look Forward. Get Involved. Give Back.


For more information on membership in the BVC, call Erica West at 201-489-9454 Ext.205; e-mail ewest@bergenvolunteers.org, or visit www.bergenvolunteers.org/BVC.