Displaced NYC Students Helped
November 15, 2012
Around Town by Neal Tepel
City Council Speaker Christine C. Quinn and United Federation of Teachers (UFT) President Michael Mulgrew have launched a fundraising drive, with a goal of $1.5 million, to provide 30,000 displaced New York City students with backpacks filled with school supplies and books. The announcement was made at I.S. 281 Joseph B Cavallaro in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn on Tuesday November 13th.
UFT members and volunteers have begun delivering backpacks full of supplies to students in need as a result of Hurricane Sandy. I.S. 281 is currently housing children in grades 1 to 5 displaced from PS 188 in Coney Island.
“Thousands of New Yorkers and people across the country are helping to get New York City back on its feet, and today’s announcement is an extension of this effort,” said Speaker Quinn. “As the city continues to recover, it is important that we create a sense of normalcy and security for children who were affected by the storm – especially those whose homes and schools were damaged. Thanks to corporate donors stepping up to the plate and the efforts of the UFT and AFT, we can hopefully make this difficult time a little bit easier for these children. New Yorkers will come out of this disaster renewed and stronger for having helped each other and the city we love.”
“Children need school supplies to succeed academically,” said UFT President Michael Mulgrew. “Many New York City students’ houses were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy and we need to ensure that these children have backpacks, books and other schools supplies they need to thrive. I can’t thank the City Council, all the school staff – teachers, custodians, and principals, aides – enough for all the work they have done to help get our schools back on track and the many donors for their generosity.”
The donors include Resorts World New York, Morgan Stanley, Ronald O. Perelman, JPMorgan Chase, Pearson Foundation, SL Green Realty Corp., The Durst Organization, The Related Companies, The Howard Hughes Corporation, Lend Lease, McDonald's USA, Barry F. Schwartz, and Verizon Foundation. To date, the fund has raised more than $675,000.
