For the 28th consecutive year, Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq: HSIC) is helping students worldwide start the academic year off right through its “Back to School” programme, a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global corporate citizenship programme. Team Schein Members (TSMs) at 45 locations in the UK and Ireland, Canada, Italy, Spain, the US are helping more than 5,200 students gain confidence and excitement for the school year.
Since 1998, Henry Schein’s “Back to School” programme has provided TSMs with opportunities to make a difference through hands-on volunteerism. In partnership with not-for-profit social service organizations, TSMs pack backpacks full of school supplies and oral hygiene kits, helping underserved children start the school year with confidence. Over the years, the programme has grown to a global scale, benefiting more than 75,000 children across the communities Henry Schein serves.
On August 14, Henry Schein welcomed hundreds of children and their families to its event at the Company’s worldwide headquarters in Melville, N.Y. Approximately 400 pre-identified students received backpacks filled with school supplies, along with gift cards to help purchase their first day-of-school outfits. The evening was filled with family-friendly fun, including a barbecue, crafts, games, and engaging activities for all ages. To emphasize the value of education, the event featured a book tent offering a wide selection of free books generously donated by TSMs and KPMG LLP – a U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm – through its Family for Literacy programme and partnership with First Book, a nonprofit social enterprise. This memorable gathering was just one of many “Back to School” celebrations taking place around the globe this season.
“Our ‘Back to School’ initiative is a powerful example of what Team Schein can accomplish when we come together in service of our communities,” said David Kochman, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, Henry Schein. “Together, we are helping to provide children with more than just supplies — we are helping them feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.”
Back to School in the UK
Henry Schein UK provided children from four local schools with essential supplies to support their learning and help them return to class with renewed excitement and enthusiasm. Each bag was packed with everyday essentials (pencil case, pens, pencils, ruler, eraser, highlighters, notebooks, and folders) along with wellbeing extras: a stress ball, a bookmark with an uplifting quote, and a reusable water bottle.
The schools backed by Team Schein this year were Bradfields Academy (Chatham), Bligh Way Academy (Strood), Lighthouse School (Leeds), St Martins School (Derby) and Baden Powell Primary School (Wales). This year’s Back to School programme supported 50 children.
“All children deserve to open their school bags and feel prepared for the year ahead, and our Back-to-School initiative is here to help make that happen. We are grateful for the opportunity to support the children from these schools, providing resources so they can continue pursuing their dreams and return to class with renewed enthusiasm and a desire to learn,” said Vikki Goodall, Vice President and Managing Director UK and Ireland.
To learn more about the Back to School programme, click here.
