School News

Theissen Foundation, collecting school supplies

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With the first day of a new academic year just around the corner, Assemblyman Dave McDonough and the John Theissen Children’s Foundation are seeking donations of school supplies for local sick and underprivileged children from low-income families.

The collection, which the John Theissen Children’s Foundation has held for more than 15 years, runs through Sept. 2. McDonough encouraged residents to contribute to the supply drive, which he has sponsored in conjunction with the Wantagh-based charity for more than a decade. 

“Back-to-school time can be extremely difficult for many children whose families cannot afford new clothes or school supplies,” McDonough said. “With your donation, you can make a child feel good and look forward to attending school.” 

Theissen said the recipients of the supplies are referred to his charity by social workers and doctors. Through the years, they collected and gave out new backpacks, various school supplies and $150 gift cards to Old Navy. 

The drive typically helps between 250 and 400 children on Long Island each year, including some from Wantagh, Seaford and surrounding towns where Theissen said the need might not seem evident.

“We started this drive 15 years ago after realizing so many kids needed these items and some would even miss the first week of school because they were too embarrassed to attend without supplies and new clothes,” he said. “Our favorite part is knowing that the children who benefit for our donations will have the same opportunity to learn as their peers and build their self esteem.” 

Items organizers are still seeking for this year’s collection include, but are not limited to the following: backpacks, spiral notebooks, pencils, pens, crayons and markers. Donations may be dropped off at McDonough’s district office at 404 Bedford Ave. in Bellmore between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

For further information, contact McDonough at (516) 409-2070 or via e-mail at mcdonoughd@assembly.state.ny.us. He said residents may also contact the John Theissen Children’s Foundation at (516) 679-5098 about this program; the group’s website is www.jtcf.org.