The United Way of Long Island helped dozens of community organizations across Long Island, including one in Roosevelt, during the 18th year of its Stuff-A-Bus program. The initiative, which was ran in partnership with the Suffolk Transportation Service, delivered school supplies to local elementary schools, ensuring that thousands of children start the school year equipped for success.
The annual initiative began in 2008 under the leadership of John Corrado, the president of the Suffolk Transportation Service and the then-board chair of United Way of Long Island. To date, more than a million supplies have been distributed, supporting children from families facing financial hardship throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
This year’s delivery included backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks, pencils and other essential items that students need to thrive in the classroom. Supplies were distributed to the Brrentwood, Central Islip, Copiague, Hicksville, Island Park, South Country, Uniondale, Westbury and William Floyd school districts.
The community organizations that received supply donations includes Harmony Healthcare Long Island, which has a location based in Roosevelt, Head Start Nassau County, Housing Help, the Macedonia Seventh-day Adventist Church, Sun River Health, Wyandanch Homes and Property and more.
“Education is the foundation for a child’s future, but with the average cost of back-to-school supplies along with new clothes and shows well over $500 per student, too many families are forced to choose between basic household needs and school supplies,” Theresa A. Regnante, president and CEO of United Way of Long Island said. “Through Stuff-A-Bus and many partners we collected more than 25,000 school supplies, which will remove a financial barrier for parents and give students the confidence and tools they need to succeed.”
Corrado’s sons, John and Joseph, currently serve as vice presidents of Suffolk Transportation Service, and also spoke highly of the initiative.
“Eighteen years ago, our father… joined forces with United Way to create a fundraiser that would have a lasting impact on local children and their education,” the brothers said in a press release produced by United Way of Long Island. “Today, that vision has grown into an event that touches thousands of lives. …Through Stuff-A-Bus, we are also able to play a small role in helping [students] succeed once they step into the classroom. That’s something we’re truly proud to be a part of.”
Dozens of other local businesses, nonprofits and individual donors contributed to the supply drive, making the Stuff-A-Bus initiative as impactful as it was.
