It is a fact that an under-nourished child cannot learn on an empty stomach but giving a child the proper nourishment is only the beginning.  There are other tools required to make a child's learning experience a positive one.  Sending a child to school at the beginning of the school year with new supplies relays the message that school is important and imparts a sense of pride in the process and ultimately, themselves.

However, not every family has the means to provide such basic items.  It is with this in mind that Long Island Cares initiated the School Tools Program.  There are thousands of families on Long Island that do not have the money to buy their children school supplies.  Despite working full-time, these families cannot provide the essentials.  On a daily basis they must make heart-wrenching choices.  Should they pay the electric bill, or buy medicine?  Should they pay the rent, or buy clothes for growing children?

Children need constant encouragement and it is up to us as a community to see that each child receives such support.  Through the School Tools program, families have access to school supplies at a critical time in the school year.  This program allows needy children to attend school properly equipped for successful education and it also helps them avoid some of the psychological pain of poverty.

Donations of items such as backpacks, notebooks, planners, paper, binders, crayons, pens and pencils are delivered to or picked up by Long Island Cares.  School supplies are also purchased at substantial discount from funds provided by corporation, foundation, and charitable organization grants.  School Tools are then distributed to school kids through our member agencies.