Legislators Team Up For Charity

Suffolk County Legislators are partnering with the Every Child’s Dream Backpack Pirates Program to bring school supplies to more than 300 homeless children throughout Suffolk County. 

The program runs until August 1 but turnout so far has been a little light. Organizers say they expect that to change in the coming weeks.

"Last year, local community support was tremendous and helped us provide more than 300 Suffolk County children with supplies they will need for school," said Legislator Lou D’Amaro, D-Huntington Station. "I know that our neighbors will come out and generously support this great program again.”

Legislator Steve Stern, D-Huntington, said he is asking for the community's help to collect supplies because it's important for children to start off the school year right. 

"Please help this worthy cause by donating these much needed supplies," said Stern in a release.

Needed items include: Fiskars children’s scissors; glue sticks, wide Crayola washable markers; folders with pockets; baby wipes; Ziploc bags; tissues; large T-shirts for smocks; sharpened No. 2 pencils; Crayola crayons; thin Crayola markers; Crayola colored pencils; pencil boxes; wide ruled black and white notebook; 3x5 index cards; index card boxes; dry erase markers; manual pencil sharpener; rulers; socks for dry erase wipe; red folders; plastic shoe box; erasable pens; black Sharpie markers; erasers; fine point color markers,; 4 oz. Elmer’s school glue; broad tip markers; black music folder and plastic colored folders.

Those interested may donate items to the following locations:

• Legislator Stern’s district office: 1842 E. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington.
• Legislator D'Amaro's office: 130 W. Jericho Turnpike, Huntington Station.
• Legislator Jon Cooper's office: 178 Little Neck Rd., Centerport. At the Vanderbilt Museum.