United Way of Long Island, in partnership with Suffolk Transportation Service, marked the 18th year of its Stuff-A-Bus program by delivering school supplies to local elementary schools, ensuring that thousands of children start the school year equipped for success.
The annual initiative, which began in 2008 under the leadership of John Corrado, President of Suffolk Transportation Service and then-Board Chair of United Way of Long Island, has grown into a community-wide tradition of giving. To date, more than 1 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 schools including Loretta Park Elementary, Laurel Park Elementary, and Cordello Avenue Elementary, as well as numerous nonprofit agencies and community organizations across Long Island.
“Education is the foundation for a child’s future, but with the average cost of back-to-school supplies along with new clothes and shoes well over $500 per student, too many families are forced to choose between basic household needs and school supplies,” said Theresa A. Regnante, President & CEO of United Way of Long Island. “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.”
“Eighteen years ago, our father, John Corrado, joined forces with United Way to create a fundraiser that would have a lasting impact on local children and their education,” said John and Joseph Corrado, Vice Presidents of Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc. “Today, that vision has grown into an event that touches thousands of lives. As a school bus company, we are often the first friendly face students see before heading to school each morning. Through Stuff-A-Bus, we can also play a small role in helping them succeed once they step into the classroom. That’s something we’re truly proud to be a part of.”
Stuff-A-Bus is made possible through the generosity of corporate and community supporters, including Esquire Bank, Teacher’s Federal Credit Union, The Boxery, United Way of Long Island Young Professionals Network, National Grid, Newsday, and dozens of local businesses, nonprofits, and individual donors.
Organizations that received supplies
ABBA
CDC of LI
Christ the King church
EAC
FCA
Head Start Nassau County
Housing Help
LIFQHC Roosevelt Clinic
Macedonia Adventist Church
TPM Church in East Meadow
Sun River Health
UWLI PowerUp!
VIBES
Wyandanch Homes & Property
School Districts that received supplies
Brentwood
Central Islip
Copiague
Hicksville
Island Park
South Country
Uniondale
Westbury
William Floyd
For more information about Stuff-A-Bus or how to support United Way of Long Island’s education initiatives, visit www.unitedwayli.org/stuffabus
About United Way of Long Island
United Way of Long Island advances the common good, creating opportunities for a better life for all by focusing on three key building blocks: health, education, and financial stability. United Way invests in community partnerships to help our most vulnerable and at-risk residents through organizations and programs that grant access to resources and services across the region. For more information about United Way of Long Island, please visit www.unitedwayli.org, call 2.1.1, or follow us on Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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