BACK TO SCHOOL CLOTHES FOR KIDS PROJECT 1997

LINCOLN HAYES SCHOOL

ANSONIA, CT

ANSONIA -- Children at Lincoln Hayes School in Ansonia will be among the best dressed in the state when they return to school on August 26, 1997 thanks to "The Back to School Clothes for Kids Project" sponsored by Valley United Way's Corporate Volunteer Council.

Employees at Valley businesses have contributed 18,150.00 to provide new clothes and other school essentials for 121 needy grammar school children who attend Lincoln Hayes School. Lincoln Hayes School was selected as the site for the project after an analysis showed that Lincoln Hayes had the highest number of children enrolled in the free meals program based on their families income.

Parents were invited to enroll their child/children in the program and provide a profile of their likes such as sports teams, colors, etc. along with their child's specific clothing sizes. The companies then used the profiles to buy two complete new outfits for the child including a new winter coat, sneakers and a backpack filled with school supplies. A total of $150 was spent on each child.

Twenty six companies of the CVC participated in the second annual project. Employees from the companies were invited to the school gym a week before the beginning of school to meet their chosen child and personally present them with outfits they had chosen just for them. The afternoon was filled with a special sense of excitement as employees from CVC companies anxiously awaited their child to arrive and open up their specially arranged box, locker and in some cases trunks. The looks of happiness on their child's face. Many parents were moved to tears as they felt so full of gratitude by the generosity of Valley corporations.

 Patricia Tarasovic, Director of the Valley United Way's Volunteer Action Center and Coordinator of the CVC said: "Response from the Valley Corporate Community has been heartwarming. Last year we outfitted 112 children from Irving School in Derby and now this year to outfit 121 children is outstanding. It has truly exceeded our original expectation and goal. Thanks to the people working at Valley companies, including Griffin Hospital and Physicians, who outfitted 30 children and donated over $800 to the school, many children will begin their school year knowing that Corporations truly care and wish them a wonderful school year.

 Particpating Organizations:

For more information on volunteer opportunities, please contact the Volunteer Action Center at 926-9478. The Center can also be reached by E-Mail by clicking here. 

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