Local Bank Helps Needy Students With Back-To-School Shopping
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Tens of thousands of students from low-income families will start the school year with the supplies they need thanks to a grant from a local bank.
Volunteers at Cradles to Crayons stuff about $100 worth pencils, notebooks and other essential school supplies into backpacks that will be given to more than 30,000 students.
Citizens Bank president, Dan Fitzpatrick says the $50,000 check is an important annual commitment.
"We want children to love education, and it starts with a great backpack and fresh supplies each year."
And the cash goes a long way. Cradles to Crayons executive director Michal Smith says it drastically improves buying power.
"We're going to practically triple the number of backpacks that we can provide for children because of the benefit that we're getting from the Citizens check."
Cradles to crayons also provides clothing, toys and other items for children from birth to age 12.
