The Junior League of Long Island partnered with Astoria Federal Savings to collect school supplies for children in need. Pictured, with their generous contributions to the Kids Tools for School drive are L. to R.: Junior League of Long Island President Deidra Maleno, of Manhasset, Astoria Federal Savings Manhasset Branch Manager Susana Soares, and JLLI Past President Alice Krupa, of Garden City. Astoria Federal Savings completed its 10th annual Kids Tools for School collection drive in August, experiencing its most successful drive ever. Customers and partners in the community dropped off cash donations and brand new school supplies at Astoria Federal branches to help prepare children for the start of school. The Junior League of Long Island (JLLI), headquartered in Roslyn, was among the community organizations lending their support for the drive.

Donations of supplies this year doubled over last year’s totals, due to tremendous community support, and more than two tons of supplies were collected from throughout Astoria Federal’s branches in Nassau, Suffolk, Queens, Brooklyn, and Westchester. Astoria Federal is committed to its philosophy of “Putting people first” in the neighborhoods it serves, and matched $10,000 in cash donations to purchase supplies in bulk, giving children in need the tools to succeed.

“Going to school without basic school supplies puts children at a disadvantage for learning and hurts their self esteem,” said Astoria Federal Senior Vice President and Director of Marketing Brian Edwards. “During our 10th anniversary drive, we distributed close to one thousand cartons of supplies to help children in need, many of whom live in homeless shelters or have other special circumstances. It’s a very simple way to make a big difference in the lives of children who need our help.”

The Kids Tools for School collection drive is part of Astoria Federal’s Education First initiative, which includes the Student Savers and Bank-at-School programs, as well as The First Home ClubSM to promote homeownership. These programs encourage lifelong learning in the communities Astoria Federal serves.