HSBC employees donated 34,962 new school supply items to benefit local school children

RANCHO CUCAMONGA, CA (September 14, 2009) - HSBC hosted another successful School Tools supply drive by collecting a record-breaking 34,962 new school supplies to support low-income school children. HSBC employees delivered the supplies, with an approximated retail value of $9,844, to the Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) on Wednesday, September 9.

Inland Empire United Way employees greeted them at the door to thank them for their amazing donation and continued support for the IEUW KidSmart initiative. This is the fourth year HSBC employees have conducted a School Tools Supply Drive. With a little healthy competition to win a pizza party at the completion, approximately 400 HSBC employees collected a total of 34,962 items.

“We’re happy to help. I know it will support low-income children in our area,”said Juanita Lopez, HSBC Unit Manager. Lopez spearheaded the supply drive and motivated the employees to get involved.

IEUW KidSmart’s School Tools program provides low-income kids with new school supplies, giving more children an opportunity to learn and succeed. The School Tools TRC (Teacher Resource Center) offers basic school supplies, arts and crafts materials, teaching tools and incentive items to encourage learning, and invites teachers from select schools to receive supplies for their students and classrooms, free of charge. During the 2008-09 school year, 650 teachers visited the School Tools TRC, and nearly $500,000 worth of new school supplies were distributed to approximately 20,000 local students.

“Inland Empire United Way is extremely thankful for the recent supply drives hosted by HSBC and other local companies and groups,” said Lorraine Ousley, IEUW KidSmart Director. “All of the School Tools supply drives directly benefit underprivileged children, ensuring they attend school equipped with the necessary tools to learn.”

Twenty-seven local schools are currently invited to participate in the program. As resources allow, other eligible schools will be invited to receive supplies. Eligible schools have 70% or more students enrolled in the federal free and reduced meal program. To learn how you can sponsor a school in your area or donate product, call Lorraine Ousley, KidSmart Director at (909) 980-2857 ext. 203.

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About IEUW KidSmart's School Tools Program
IEUW KidSmart's School Tools program provides low-income children with new school supplies, giving them an opportunity to learn and succeed. The School Tools Teacher Resource Center (TRC) invites teachers from select schools to receive supplies for their students and classrooms, free of charge. Since the program's inception, the School Tools TRC has conducted 1,538 teacher visits and distributed $1,012,403 worth of products to benefit 46,140 children in our local schools.

About Inland Empire United Way
Inland Empire United Way (IEUW) is a nonprofit organization that works in partnership with local community leaders, businesses, government agencies, other nonprofits, and individuals to build a stronger, healthier community. By strategically investing in programs and initiatives, such as 2-1-1 San Bernardino County, HandsOn Inland Empire, KidSmart, and Pathways, long-lasting and positive changes are made in the lives of children, families, and individuals. The IEUW service area covers portions of Los Angeles, San Bernardino, and Riverside counties. LIVE UNITED is a call to action for everyone to become part of the change. For more information about Inland Empire United Way, please visit our newly designed website at www.ieuw.org.

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