September 7, 2023 – Henry Schein is helping children around the world start the academic year off right through its “Back to School” program, a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the Company’s global corporate social responsibility program. Team Schein Members at 32 locations in the U.S., Canada, U.K., and Ireland are providing nearly 5,000 students with backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene essentials, with more events to come this year in Italy and Spain. Since the program’s inception in 1998, the Company has helped more than 65,000 children return to the classroom equipped with the necessities for a successful school year.
On August 17, Henry Schein held its first in-person “Back to School” event at its worldwide headquarters in Melville, N.Y. since the pandemic. Approximately 400 pre-identified children and their families received backpacks, school supplies, and gift cards to purchase their choice of first-day-of-school outfits. The event also included a BBQ, games, music, crafts, and other activities, including an interactive science presentation. Additionally, the event featured a tent with free books donated by Team Schein Members and KPMG LLP – a U.S. audit, tax, and advisory firm – through its Family for Literacy program and partnership with nonprofit social enterprise First Book. One of several “Back to School” events being held around the world, the fun-filled evening provided participating children and families with an uplifting experience to kick off a successful school year.
Henry Schein partnered with 10 local social service organizations to pre-identify the participating children and their families for the Melville event: Bethany House; Espoir Youth Program, Inc.; Family and Children’s Association; Family Service League; Hispanic Counseling Center; Nassau County Department of Social Services; The Raymar Children’s Fund; SCO Madonna Heights; WellLife Network; and YES Community Counseling Center.