Kids Tools for Schools Drive Underway at Garden City Bank

Astoria Federal Savings’ 14th annual Kids Tools for Schools collection drive kicks off Thursday at the East Meadow branch.

Astoria will match up to $10,000 to help provide school supplies for local students whose families struggle to afford the educational tools that help their children excel in the classroom.

The drive will run through Aug. 31.

“We recognize that children who go to school without the necessary school supplies are at a tremendous disadvantage, both academically and socially. It’s a prevalent problem but we are always very impressed by the incredible support our annual Tools for School program receives from individuals, businesses and local civic organizations who contribute to our supply drive each year,” Astoria Federal Savings executive vice president Brian Edwards said. “It’s a great feeling to help a child start the year with fresh new supplies and a bright outlook.”

Residents can bring their donations of new school supplies - or cash to purchase the supplies - to the Astoria Federal Savings located at 1150 Franklin Ave. in Garden City or any one of the bank's 85 branches throughout Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester.

The collection drive is part of Astoria Federal’s Education First initiative, which includes special savings accounts for students, an annual Teach Children to Save Essay Contest and school outreach programs to promote financial literacy, as well as The First Home Club to promote homeownership, according to a bank press release. For additional info visit, www.astoriafederal.com.