Can you imagine the feeling of a child who doesn’t have even the most basic supplies, such as pencils and notebooks, to start the school year? It’s probably not too good. That’s why Co-op Services Credit Union has teamed up with Volunteers of America, Fox 2 TV and 96.3 WDVD radio to host its second annual Operation Backpack drive.
“There are lots of families struggling with providing basic needs for their children, let alone school supplies,” said Jeremy Cybulski, youth and community development officer for Co-op Services Credit Union. “We want to help students get the supplies they need so they can concentrate on what’s really important—learning.”
Cybulski, who oversees Co-op Services’ student credit union program and gives financial education programs in several local elementary schools, understands firsthand the needs of students and their teachers.
From now through Friday, August 13, 2010, the credit union has set up collection boxes in all of its branch lobbies to enable members and others in the community to donate backpacks and basic school supplies to help lower-income students in Michigan.
The donations will be distributed through Volunteers of America and its Operation Backpack initiative.
“Donations of school supplies including pens, pencils, glue, scissors, notebooks and other classroom items will help give many deserving children a more positive start to their school year,” added Cybulski
Co-op Services will also participate in the “Stuff-a-Bus” collection drive, sponsored by the Volunteers of America and WDVD 96.3FM at Westland Mall from Friday, July 30 through Sunday, August 1, 2010.
For more information about the Co-op Services backpack drive, visit the credit union’s web site at www.cscu.org or call Jeremy Cybulski at 800-321-8570, extension 133.
Headquartered in Livonia, Co-op Services Credit Union has more than 52,000 members and maintains eight full-service branch offices in the Detroit metro area, including a Dearborn branch on Michigan Avenue. Members also have access to more than 3,000 shared branches and 28,000 ATMs nationwide. For more information about Co-op Services, visit the credit union web site at www.cscu.org or call 800.321.8570.