IR USA providing supplies to students at underserved school

Tomorrow, Islamic Relief USA staff members will be visiting an underserved elementary school in New Jersey, distributing much-needed school supplies to the students.

The event is called 'Be Cool for School' and Kyra Aycart, the school's principal, called the gesture "a wonderful surprise."

"I was very surprised to be able to get a gift like that, and very grateful," Aycart said. She added that supplies often "run out" because of high demand and not enough funding. The school has more than 1,300 students.

"We're going to be needing it very very much," she said.

Yousef Abdallah, Islamic Relief USA's operations manager in the northeast region, said he supported the effort because it "gives back to the community."

"The back to school season can be a very stressful time for parents," Abdallah said. "Many families can't afford to buy new supplies for their children, and this prevents them from receiving a proper education. The 'Be Cool for School' effort will hopefully give them a chance to learn."

Each student will be eligible to receive a notebook, a folder and a pencil. Islamic Relief USA staff members will be available to answer students' questions and present Islamic Relief's work.

Dr. Alex D. Blanco, Passaic's mayor, said he was very grateful and will also be in attendance.
"The students can use all the support they can get," Blanco said. "It is vital as we raise and develop the leaders of the city of Passaic."

'Be Cool for School' is a volunteer driven effort that hopes to help families by donating school supplies to needy students. Islamic Relief USA's New Jersey office in Totowa is currently collecting supplies to be distributed to more students.

This is not the first time Islamic Relief USA reaches out to underserved communities in New Jersey.

Every year, Islamic Relief USA provides aid and vital services to homeless and needy people across the nation in the 'Day of Dignity' effort.

A 'Day of Dignity' event was held in three New Jersey cities last month: Newark, Elizabeth and Irvington.

To read more about the 'Day of Dignity,' visit http://www.dayofdignity.com/.