Donations Help Students in Hartford, CT Start School Year Off Right
Brooklyn, NY — Representative Minnie Gonzalez of Hartford, CT hosted a back-to-school supply donation event in partnership with non-profit, Spanish-language media network HITN and other local sponsors to assist students and teachers to obtain the necessary supplies to start the 2019-20 school year off on the right foot.
As the new school year approaches, the National Retail Federation estimates families will spend an average of $674 on needed back-to-school supplies and clothing—an amount many low-income families can’t afford. A tireless advocate for the betterment of the Hispanic community of Hartford, Connecticut, Representative Gonzalez understands the importance of education as the foundation for a bright future in children’s lives and the backbone of an empowered community.
“Children living in poverty start the school year at a great disadvantage facing challenges that inhibit their proper participation in classroom activities. It is vital that as a community we come together and equip them with the tools they need to learn and succeed. These donations will help to provide valuable resources to kids who couldn’t otherwise afford them, and this has an immense impact in their learning experience paving the way for a more productive and successful school year,” said Representative Minnie Gonzalez.
Donations go a long way in helping children from low-income families in the Connecticut metro area. “This helps the parents a lot because school supplies and backpacks are so expensive nowadays,” said Marilyn Mendez, a local parent and the school’s family coordinator.
“It makes a huge difference,” said Ms. Omaris Journet, principal of Parkville Community School a Hartford school where almost all of its students qualify for the federal free and reduced lunch program. “I don’t know what we would do without these groups helping us. These families don’t have that kind of discretionary funding.”
HITN, the largest non-commercial Spanish-language network, is committed to help bridge the gap between what families can afford and what students need. Representative Gonzalez worked closely with the network to bring the school supplies donation to Parkville Community School. In addition to donating children’s backpacks, HITN also will equip the school with Internet hotspots for teachers to use in the classrooms and for parents to use at home.
“We’re happy to be in Hartford supporting teachers, students and the community at large during this important time of the year. Underrepresented minority groups face unique challenges with scarce resources and limited access to basic educational supplies. Today’s donation will make a huge difference in the lives of many students looking forward and eager to learn on their first day of school,” said Michael D. Nieves, President and CEO of HITN.
