Second Annual School Supply Drive

Jovia Financial Credit Union, one of Long Island’s largest and leading credit unions, recently partnered with the Long Island Nets (LI Nets), NBA G League affiliate of the Brooklyn Nets, and Target for its second annual Back-To-School Donation Drive on September 22, 2023. The three organizations teamed up to deliver school supplies to Northwest Elementary School (Amityville School District) and Archer St. Elementary School (Freeport School District).

“In continuing our partnership with the LI Nets, we are committed to strengthening our relationship with members of the Long Island community while giving back to children and families at the beginning of the school year,” said Rich Tavarez, Community Relations Officer at Jovia Financial Credit Union. “We are grateful for the generosity of the Long Island community for donating an incredible number of items this year. Our employees who volunteered their time were heartened by the smiles on the faces of all the children we greeted today, which was simply priceless.”

Throughout the months of August and September, Jovia, the LI Nets and Target campaigned to raise awareness and encourage community members to donate backpacks and school supplies for underserved students on Long Island. Donation boxes were located inside Jovia Financial Credit Union branches and essential school supplies were collected such as backpacks, lunch boxes, notebooks and other elementary school supplies.

“The Long Island Nets are excited to join forces with Jovia and Target to uplift our youth and give back to the region we’re proud to be a part of,” said Morgan Taylor, Vice President of Business Operations for the Long Island Nets. “The Back-To-School Donation Drive is a great example of how we can all play a role to support the needs of our community. We thank Jovia and Target for supporting this initiative to provide the next generation of scholars on Long Island with the educational resources they need to be successful this school year.”

All supplies were sorted and packed with the help of more than 25 volunteers from Jovia, the LI Nets and Target at the Yes We Can Community Center in New Cassel. Once complete, the special deliveries were made by the volunteers to both elementary schools.

“We love working with the Long Island Nets as they take an active role in creating equitable experiences in the communities we serve,” said Kelly McGarrity, Store Director and Group 496 Community Captain at Target. “We have supported the LI Nets’ Back-to-School donation since 2016 and we are proud to continue to support this event and the great work we accomplish together.”

During the Long Island Nets 2023-24 season, Jovia and the LI Nets will host a series of events including financial literacy seminars for Long Island students. Dates will be announced later this fall.