IKEA Long Island is partnering with the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless to help homeless children start the school year off right. IKEA, a part of Hicksville’s Broadway Commons, has donated 500 backpacks which will be made available at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless annual Backpack Pirates event on Aug. 28 and will also be distributed to children in homeless shelters throughout Nassau and Suffolk counties.
IKEA is also accepting donations of school supplies to fill the backpacks until July 31. The donation bin will be located in the store’s cash lane area.
At IKEA, children are the most important people in the world, so the Swedish home goods store looks to support programs that make a difference in the lives of the many children that populate the area. IKEA Long Island wants to play a part in creating a better life for the people in the community, especially children.
“We are honored to work with Long Island Coalition for the Homeless in bettering the lives of the children that need it most. We hope that, with this donation, we can support these children in their path to a successful school year,” said Mike Baker, store manager of IKEA.
“We are so grateful for this new partnership with IKEA,” said Greta Guarton, Executive Director of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. “Thanks to their generosity, more than 500 Long Island children in need will have beautiful, new backpacks and school supplies to start their school year on the right foot. Performance in school is affected by self-esteem and motivation. Having the right tools, of which these kids can be proud, will positively impact their ability to thrive in school.”
—Submitted by IKEA Long Island
