Since 1994, the Back to School with Dignity program has provided school supplies, backpacks, sneakers and clothing to help our most vulnerable, low-income children start school ready to learn and equipped for success.
People to People has seen a 322% increase in 5 years
The number of children coming to us increased by a staggering 322% in the last five years:
| Program Year |
Number Served |
| 2005 |
1,815 |
| 2004 |
1,583 |
| 2003 |
1,065 |
| 2002 |
731 |
| 2001 |
375 |
We gratefully acknowledge the many donors that help us prepare children for success in the classroom, including:
- the Girl Scouts
- Orange and Rockland Utilities
- the Verizon Foundation
who continue to provide the vital funding we need.
We are also pleased that the Ginsburg Community Foundation has made a four year commitment to support this important program! |
Thanks to your support, 1,815 Rockland County children started school in September with the supplies they needed to succeed.
What Goes Around Comes Around
Five years ago, when People to People was just starting the Back to School with Dignity Program, a well spoken 14 year old boy came to our door for help.
Mark was just starting high school, and needed a graphing calculator for his math class. While speaking with him, our staff discovered the Mark's father had recently been killed in a car accident. With no life insurance and a mother who had no real job skills, the family quickly went from a comfortable, middle class life to one where they could not keep their home or pay their bills.
That year, People to People helped Mark get his calculator, and helped his little sister with her back to school supplies.
In 2005, Mark once again appeared at our door. “I am here to volunteer,” he said during our very busy holiday season.
Having graduated high school and enrolled in a community college, Mark has passed that very calculator down to his sister who is now in high school. |
