DHSS Press Release |
Date: October 24, 2006 DHSS-98-2006 |
| Vincent P. Meconi, Secretary Jay Lynch, Communications Director (302) 255-9037, Pager (302) 247-8523 Email: jay.lynch@state.de.us |
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NEW RECORD REACHED AS ADOPT-A-STUDENT PROGRAM DELIVERS OVER 3,000 BACKPACKS TO STUDENTS
Delaware - The Adopt-a-Student program distributed more than 3,080 backpacks with school supplies to students around Delaware during August and September of this year. This marks a 20% growth over last year for helping less fortunate children start off the school year right, complete with backpacks and school supplies.
The Adopt-a-Student program is administered by Delaware Health and Social Services' Division of State Service Centers' Office of Family Support. Last year, the program helped over 2,200 children in New Castle County and over 350 children in Kent and Sussex Counties. In just five years, the program has grown over 450% from helping 550 students statewide in 2002 to successfully helping 3,089 this school year. This is due to the tremendous outpouring of backpacks and supplies from businesses, private and public agencies and the community.
Many private individuals and corporations donated to the program, helping Adopt-A-Student reach more than 2,680 students in New Castle County and more than 404 students in Kent and Sussex Counties. Enough materials were available that no students were turned away.
"I am delighted and impressed by how our community has continued to step forward to ensure that Delaware's children have appropriate back-to-school supplies," Vincent P. Meconi, Cabinet Secretary, Delaware Health and Social Services, said. "It may seem like a small thing, but having enough paper, pencils and other tools make it much easier for students to learn and concentrate on their schoolwork."
Among the largest community sponsors were ING Direct, Citizen's Bank, AstraZeneca and Baltimore Air Coil. Adopt-A-Family would like to thank all contributors to this year's Adopt-A-Student program. The program will begin collecting donations next summer for the 2007-2008 school year.
In the meantime, program organizers are focusing on the holiday drive for Adopt-A-Family. Individuals and companies interested in adopting a family of children, a nursing home resident or a foster child for the holidays are asked to contact the program at the end of October. Those interested in volunteering to work or interested in supporting Adopt-A-Family are invited to call anytime.
- In New Castle County, call (302) 792-9538;
- In Kent County call (302) 739-3145;
- In Sussex County, call (302) 424-2780.
To make monetary donations, please mail checks to Adopt-A-Family of New Castle County, 3301 Green St., Claymont, DE 19703; or Adopt-A-Family of Kent/Sussex Counties, 13 SW Front St., Suite 103, Milford, DE 19963. All donations are tax deductible.
Delaware Health and Social Services is committed to improving the quality of the lives of Delaware's citizens by promoting health and well-being, fostering self-sufficiency, and protecting vulnerable populations.
