School Supply Drive eases new school year for Buffalo students

As part of UB’s ongoing support of the local community, thousands of school supplies made their way to deserving children starting a new year at local schools.

“Purchasing all the needed school supplies can be difficult for some families, so it really helps take a little bit of the stress off of the families,” said Tess Morrissey, director of the Office of Community Relations. “We provide as much as we can for when the students go back to school.”

This support was especially welcome for the family of a young student at PS 93 Southside Elementary, which recently experienced a house fire. The school was able to arrange for the student to have a full set of school supplies, as the family was focused on recovering from the fire.

“UB was able to help that family with preparing their kids for school and hopefully relieve some stress during a difficult time” said Dylan Steed, staff assistant in Community Relations. Among the items the Southside Elementary student and others in the Buffalo Public Schools received from the School Supply Drive were calculators, backpacks, folders, pencils, glue sticks, index cards and paper.

“We have so many families in need who benefit,” said Andrea Moyer, a community school site facilitator for the Closing the Gap Initiative at Southside Elementary. “Our school community is grateful for your efforts and generosity.”

UB track and field athletes and members of the Student Athlete Advisory Committee helped deliver the school supplies. These drop-offs at the schools triggered many smiles. “It definitely makes a difference for a lot of these students” said Morrissey.

The annual School Supply Drive is a UB team effort. Coordinated by Community Relations since 2009, faculty and staff from more than 45 departments on all three UB campuses donated more than 17,000 items to help make going back to school a little easier for students at eight Buffalo elementary and middle schools.

Staff with Student Medical Services in Michael Hall raised money to purchase a case of nearly 25 backpacks for the drive. The UB School of Law provided 100 lunchboxes, thanks to a generous contribution from a donor. Other UB departments raised money for the school supply campaign to purchase supplies.

“Without the participation from the UB departments, we never would be able to do this,” said Morrissey. “Every year it gets bigger and bigger, and we’re just blown away by the generosity of the departments.”

Supplies were distributed to students at Futures Academy PS 37, Bilingual Institute PS 33, Highgate Heights Elementary PS 80, Westminster Community Charter School, Dr. Antonia Pantoja Community School of Academic Excellence PS 18, Southside Elementary PS 93, BUILD Academy PS 91, and families at the Educational Opportunity Center.

Officials from the Buffalo Public School appreciated UB’s efforts that made going back to school a bit easier for students.

“Thank you on behalf of Buffalo Promise Neighborhood and Highgate Heights Elementary for UB’s generous donation,” said Molly Ederer, associate director of Buffalo Promise Neighborhood.

“Our students and staff were thrilled to receive the school supplies. The support we receive from folks like you makes a big difference in our ability to ensure that our kids will have a successful school year,” she said.

“As the year begins, please know that because of you, our kids can be proud of their new backpack and supplies. Your caring spirit is greatly appreciated.”