The largest of the events will take place today at the company's worldwide headquarters in Melville, N.Y., where more than 600 children, identified by local social service organizations, will attend the "Back to School" event. Along with dinner, games, balloon animals, face painting and music, the children will receive new outfits selected and paid for by Team Schein Members, and backpacks filled with school supplies, books and hygiene products.
"Heading back to school should be an exciting time of year for all children," said Gerry Benjamin, executive vice president and chief administrative officer for Henry Schein.
"Equipping students with terrific clothes for the first day back in the classroom, and essential school supplies, helps to boost their confidence and motivation to start the school year ready for success. Thanks to the overwhelming support of our Team Schein Members, supplier partners and local businesses, the Henry Schein 'Back to School' program continues to grow each year."
Henry Schein's "Back to School" program initially supported 150 children from Long Island. Since its inception, the program has sponsored nearly 22,000 children in North America.
"Back to School" is a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company's global social responsibility program, and is supported by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization that works to foster, support, and promote dental, medical, and animal health by helping to increase access to care for communities around the world.
"Seeing the smiles on the faces of the children who eagerly rip open their boxes filled with new clothes for their first day of school, and brand new backpacks filled to the brim with needed supplies is priceless," said Karen Boorshtein, LCSW, president and CEO, Family Service League.
"Working with Henry Schein on the 'Back to School' program is an opportunity for us to help lift the financial burden from children and their families who have so many economic challenges to juggle with limited resources. We're proud to be part of this program that helps give peace of mind to families as they prepare for this important time of year."
For more informaiton, go to www.hscaresfoundation.org.
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