Citizens Bank launches 5th Annual School Supplies Drive
Initiative to help hundreds of children in CT and nearly 20,000 in New EnglandNEW LONDON, Conn. (July 21, 2008) - Citizens Bank of Connecticut announced the launch of its fifth annual school supplies campaign, a program designed to support the academic needs of children in the Connecticut foster care system. Formerly known as Tools for School, and now named Gear for Grades, the program has helped nearly 4,000 children in Connecticut return to school with the essential supplies they need to succeed since 2003. This year, hundreds of backpacks filled with new school supplies will be donated to children in the state's foster care system throughout the state.
“The Gear for Grades program is a relief for many families in our network who are struggling with a difficult economy while continuing to provide wonderful care for Connecticut's most vulnerable children. Through the generosity of Citizens Bank, its employees, customers and Connecticut residents, hundreds of children in the state's foster care system will start the school year with the school supplies they need to succeed,” said Jean Fiorito, executive director, Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents. “Our families and children are extremely grateful for these gifts and truly appreciate the support from those who participate in this year's drive.”
Through the Gear for Grades program, new school supplies: pens, pencils, folders, erasers and rulers will be collected at 51 Citizens Bank branches across Connecticut between Monday July 21, 2008 - Saturday August 9, 2008.
The program utilizes Citizens Bank branches across Connecticut as convenient collection sites for customers and non-customers alike. Citizens Bank has purchased the non-branded backpacks that will be filled with the donated school supplies and distributed with the assistance of the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents.
“The Gear for Grades program is a great example of the Citizens Bank commitment to the communities we serve,” said Rich Barry, president Citizens Bank, Connecticut. “We are delighted to partner again this year with Jean Fiorito and the Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents to ensure that the backpacks filled with new school supplies will be delivered directly to children in need. The Gear for Grades program has been a positive and successful program for years and we thank everyone for their continued support again this year”.
Nearly 20,000 backpacks will be distributed by Citizens throughout New England as part of this year's Gear for Grades program.
About Citizens Bank of Connecticut
Citizens Bank of Connecticut is a $5 billion bank with 51 branches and 60 ATMs in Connecticut It is headquartered in New London. It is a subsidiary of Citizens Financial Group, Inc., a $160 billion commercial bank holding company headquartered in Providence, R.I. Citizens has more than 1,600 branches, approximately 3,100 ATMs and more than 25,000 employees. It has a 13-state retail branch network plus non-branch retail and commercial offices in about 40 states. Citizens is the eighth-largest commercial banking company in the United States ranked by deposits and ninth in assets as of September 30, 2006. Citizens is owned by RBS.
About Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents
Connecticut Association of Foster and Adoptive Parents is a non-profit organization committed to strengthening Foster and Adoptive Families and Relative Caregivers through support, training, and advocacy with the aim of nurturing child safety, well-being and stability in partnership with child welfare professionals and the entire community.
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