United Way of Long Island, in partnership with Suffolk Transportation Service, marked the 17th 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, scissors, 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, along with 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, including backpacks, pencils, erasers, and spiral notebooks, which will remove a financial barrier for parents and give students the confidence and tools they need to succeed.”
“Seventeen years ago, our father, John Corrado, partnered with United Way to create a fundraising opportunity aimed at having a lasting impact on kids in our community and their education,” said John and Joseph Corrado, Assistant Vice Presidents of Suffolk Transportation Service, Inc. “This idea has now blossomed into an event that touches thousands of lives. As a school bus company, we are often a student’s first point of contact before they start school every day. Through Stuff-A-Bus, we also get to feel connected to the success of our students once they get off the bus and enter the classroom. That is a special feeling!”
Stuff-A-Bus is made possible through the generosity of corporate and community supporters, including Esquire Bank, Teachers’ 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
Assemblyman Burroughs
CDC LI
Circulo de Hispandid
Copiague Library
Faith Mission
FREE/Adelante
Hispanic Counseling Center
Housing Help
Macedonia Seventh Day Adventist Church
Options for Community Living, Inc.
Patchogue-Medford Youth & Community Services, Inc.
Pronto
Pride for Youth
Thursday’s Child
United Veterans Beacon House
Wyandanch Homes
YouthBuild Long Island
School Districts that received supplies
Brentwood
Central Islip
Copiague
Deer Park
Hicksville
Westbury
Wyandanch
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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