CorePlus Credit Union Calls for “No Empty Backpacks” During Annual Collection of Back-To-School Supplies
NORWICH, CT — CorePlus Credit Union has started collecting backpacks and school supplies at its branch locations, with the goal of providing as many children as possible with the materials they need to thrive in the new school year.
CorePlus is again partnering with UCFS Healthcare on this effort. Supplies will be collected throughout the summer and distributed from 1-3 p.m. on August 7th at UCFS’s Edward & Mary Lord Family Health Center, located at 47 Town Street in Norwich.
In addition to public donations, CorePlus employees have given generously to this effort in previous years. This year, CorePlus and its employees plan to match the first 50 donations of new backpacks, ensuring that at least 100 children will receive assistance.
“A solid education starts with giving children the tools they need to be successful,” said Raymond Currier, President and CEO of CorePlus Credit Union. “Last year, through our partnership with UCFS, CorePlus employees and members provided 114 backpacks and supplies that were distributed to children in our community. The need is great and we’re hoping to help even more families this year. Please join us in this effort by dropping off a backpack and supplies at any of our branch locations.”
Drop boxes for donations, creatively decorated by CorePlus employees, will be set up at each CorePlus branch location starting on June 24th. Collection boxes will also be set up at UCFS
locations.
The backpack drive is seeking the following items:
- New backpacks
- Writing and drawing materials, including pens, pencils, highlighters, markers, crayons, colored pencils, large pink erasers, and eraser caps
- Art supplies including loose leaf paper, glue sticks, liquid glue, blunt tip scissors, pencils, sharpeners, and rulers
- Organizational materials including three-ring binders, pencil boxes, zippered pouches, and two-pocket folders
- Spiral and composition notebooks
In addition to these in-kind donations, CorePlus will accept monetary donations toward the bulk purchase of backpacks and school supplies. Checks should be made payable to CorePlus Credit Union, with the note ATTN: Brittany Uphold or Eric Blackburn, and accompanied by a letter designating the amount and purpose of the funds. Monetary donations can be dropped off at any CorePlus branch location or mailed to CorePlus’s main office at 202 Salem Turnpike, Norwich, CT, 06360.
Children who have adequate school supplies are not only better prepared to participate in school activities and assignments, but also more confident in their own abilities and interested in learning. Unfortunately, for thousands of families in Connecticut struggling to afford basic needs, it can be difficult or impossible to purchase these school supplies. This annual drive helps families meet this need while also easing the burden on teachers, who often report that they spend their own funds on supplies for their students.
Donations will be accepted through August 5th. In the interim between this cutoff date and the giveaway, CorePlus employees work to fill the backpacks with supplies and to create separate ones for older and younger students.
The distribution of backpacks and supplies on August 7th takes place during Community Health Center Week and is held in conjunction with family-friendly events at the Edward & Mary Lord Family Health Center. In addition to the backpack giveaway, CorePlus will also have an ice cream freezer on the premises to provide visitors with a sweet treat.
Additional partners at the event will provide information, giveaways, activities, and other useful information. These include UCFS Healthcare and the Uncas Health District.
About CorePlus Credit Union
CorePlus Credit Union is a federally chartered, member owned, not for profit cooperative. We are a not for profit, not for charity, but for service credit union founded in 1936. With a strong emphasis on community development and member well-being, CorePlus Credit Union is dedicated to creating financial wellness for all. For more information, visit coreplus.org.