Local businesses team up to help students start the new school year well-supplied.
BERWICK, Pa. (Aug. 23, 2010) -- Local businesses teamed up with PPL Susquehanna and the Berwick Area United Way to collect backpacks and school supplies for more than 175 students at the Berwick School District.
Employees of PPL’s Susquehanna nuclear power plant, First Keystone National Bank, Berwick Offray and Scientech contributed the supplies, which will be given to students who are eligible for free and reduced lunches. Gallagher’s Bus Company provided the bus and driver that picked up the supplies at the local businesses and delivered them to the Berwick School District Office Tuesday (8/17).
“PPL supports community activities sponsored by its employees,” said Tim Rausch, PPL’s chief nuclear officer. “Susquehanna’s Women In Nuclear group did a great job with reaching out to neighboring businesses and the Berwick Area United Way to help more children this year than they had with past backpack collections.
“Because of the generosity and willingness of these businesses to partner with us, we tripled the amount of school supplies that were given to children last year,” he said.
The school’s district office will distribute the backpacks to elementary school children who qualify for free or reduced lunches, which are based on a family income of $28,000 or less. More than 63 percent of students in the Berwick Area School District are eligible for the lunch program.
“Our bank has a long tradition of supporting programs for the Berwick School District and the other communities we serve,” said Lesa Angell, Director of Marketing, First Keystone National Bank. “Joining with other businesses to collect supplies is a great way to support the educational needs of our community’s youth.”
School officials will contact parents about the availability of the supplies and distribute them to students on a first-come, first-served basis.
“The new backpacks and supplies help our students start the school year with more confidence. We sincerely appreciate the generous donations,” said Wayne Brookhart, superintendent of the Berwick Area School District.
Extra supplies were given to The Berwick United Way for future distribution. Community members who wish to contribute can drop off a backpack at the United Way office on 139 East 2nd Street, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.
By Mimi Mylin, PPL