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School outfits and supplies help children confidently return to the classroom

Henry Schein’s 17th annual ‘Back to School’ program provided more than 5,000 children this year with essential school supplies donated by the company. Since the program’s inception, more than 27,000 children have participated. (Photo: Henry Schein Inc.)
Jim Lopes, Henry Schein Inc.

Jim Lopes, Henry Schein Inc.

Mon. 8 December 2014

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Henry Schein’s annual “Back to School” program, held recently at 28 company locations, will help more than 5,000 children return to the classroom prepared for success, setting a new record for participation in the 17th year of the program. School essentials provided to the children range from new first-day outfits to backpacks filled with classroom supplies, books and hygiene products.

“Back to School” is a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the global corporate social responsibility program of Henry Schein Inc. In addition to events taking place across North America, this year the Henry Schein “Back to School” program will take place for the first time in Europe, with an event in Madrid, Spain.

In many locations, children received first-day school outfits, which had been personally selected and paid for by Team Schein Members. Classroom supplies are donated by the company. More than 27,000 children have benefited from the Henry Schein “Back to School” program since its inception.

“Since helping the first 150 children in 1998, ‘Back to School’ has been a special event for Team Schein because we directly help to improve the lives of children in need in our local communities,” said Gerry Benjamin, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Henry Schein. “We are very pleased that this North American tradition has now crossed the ocean with an inaugural event in Spain, and we hope that future programs will expand across Europe and into other countries around the world where we operate.”

Of the U.S.-based events, the largest took place at Henry Schein’s worldwide corporate headquarters in Melville, N.Y., where more than 600 children and their families received their school supplies and clothes. In addition to receiving their new outfits and backpacks at the event, children at the Melville event participated in many fun-filled activities, including dinner, games, balloon animals, face painting and music.

“Back to School” is supported by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that works to help increase access to health care in underserved communities around the world. Each year, Henry Schein partners with local social service organizations to help identify children and families who would benefit from participation in the program.

For the event at Henry Schein’s worldwide corporate headquarters, the company partnered with 11 local social service organizations, including Bethany House, Madonna Heights, The McCoy Center, Department of Social Services, Family Service League, YES Community Counseling Center, MPowering Kids, Family and Children’s Association, Hispanic Counseling Center, Pederson-Krag Center and The Raymar Children’s Fund.

“Starting school with everything needed to succeed is such an important part of a child’s social life and development,” said Linda Buczynski, FPA, co-coordinator, parent partner, Family Support Services, Pederson-Krag Center. “Henry Schein’s longstanding support of our organization through the ‘Back to School’ program helps promote the academic success of our families’ children. We are proud to be a part of ‘Back to School,’ which continues to empower and bring respect and dignity to our families and children.”

 

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