Helping Glen Covers Get School Supplies

Glen Cove Public Schools does not start its academic year until Sept. 3, but already an effort is underway to help students get the supplies they need to put their best foot forward.

The endeavor has some star power, thanks to teen actor Jake T. Austin, who plays Jesus Foster in ABC Family’s “The Fosters.” He is teaming up with Boys & Girls Clubs of America and Staples for the sixth annual Staples for Students, a national school supply drive. 

From June 30 to September 28, Staples customers can donate $1 or more at Staples, at 71 School Street, which states that  100 percent of the proceeds will benefit local students at the Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club at Lincoln House. Boys & Girls Clubs of America’s mission is to enable all young people, especially those who need it most, to reach their full potential as productive, caring, responsible citizens. The Staples for Students school supply drive supports this mission by helping young people return to school prepared to learn and succeed.

 “I’m so excited to team up with Staples and Boys & Girls Clubs of America for this great cause,” Austin said, in a press release. 

The teen star added, “I can’t imagine starting school without the right supplies, so I’m rallying fellow teens to help make a difference in their communities by making sure students have the essential supplies they need to succeed.” 

Staples is helping to kick off the campaign by donating $125,000 worth of school supplies to the program this year, according to a press release. Staples and the Boys & Girls Clubs of America will ensure that all of the donations get to the local Glen Cove Boys & Girls Club at Lincoln House in time for the new school year. Since 2008, the campaign has raised nearly $3 million for hundreds of thousands of students in need throughout the country. Past celebrity influencers have included Jordin Sparks, Ciara, Nikki Reed, the cast of “Pretty Little Liars” and Bella Thorne.

 “It’s amazing to see teens and customers rally together each year to give back to their local communities through Staples for Students,” said Alison Corcoran, senior vice president stores and online marketing, Staples.  “Working with Jake T. Austin and Boys & Girls Clubs, we can help ensure that students across the country start the year off right in the classroom.”

There are 4,000 Boys & Girls Clubs in communities nationwide serving nearly 4 million youth ages 6-18 by providing a safe and productive place for young people during the after-school timeframe. Clubs offer caring mentors and programming that help youth, many of whom come from disadvantaged circumstances, advance in the areas of education, health and wellness, and develop character and leadership skills.

 “A core focus of our mission is to enable youth to be successful throughout school and follow a career or educational plan post-high school to become productive and responsible citizens,” said Kimberly Boyd, vice president, program training & youth development services for BGCA.

She added: “Partnerships and programs like the Staples for Students national school supply drive provide critical support for Clubs and youth so they have the resources needed to do well in school and create a path to a great future."

Students are asked to help spread the word through the Staples for Students Facebook page.