Henry Schein, Inc. has launched its annual “Back to School” initiative for the 28th consecutive year, providing school supplies and oral hygiene kits to more than 5,200 students across six countries. The program is part of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate citizenship effort.
Team Schein Members (TSMs) at 45 locations in the United States, Canada, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, and Ireland participated in the initiative, which partners with nonprofit social service organizations to support underserved children. Since its inception in 1998, the program has reached over 75,000 children globally.
On August 14, Henry Schein held a local event at its headquarters in Melville, New York, where approximately 400 pre-identified students received backpacks filled with school supplies and gift cards for purchasing school clothing. The event included a barbecue, games, crafts, and a book tent offering free books donated by TSMs and KPMG LLP through its Family for Literacy program in partnership with First Book.
“Our ‘Back to School’ initiative is a powerful example of what Team Schein can accomplish when we come together in service of our communities,” said David Kochman, Senior Vice President and Chief Corporate Affairs Officer at Henry Schein. “Together, we are helping to provide children with more than just supplies — we are helping them feel seen, supported, and ready to learn.”
Henry Schein collaborated with ten Long Island-based social service organizations to identify participating children and families for the Melville event. These organizations included Bethany House, Espoir Youth Program, Family and Children’s Association, Hispanic Counseling Center, Iovino South Shore Family Center, SCO Madonna Heights, Social Service Volunteers of Nassau, The Raymar Children’s Association, WellLife Network, and YES Community Counseling Center.
“We’re grateful to Henry Schein for helping our students begin the year feeling ready and cared for,” said Katie Swanson, Executive Director of Bethany House of Nassau County. “Our partnership with Henry Schein’s ‘Back to School’ initiative is rooted in purpose. Thank you to Team Schein for their continued support of Bethany House.”
The “Back to School” program is one of several initiatives under Henry Schein Cares, which focuses on expanding access to care, supporting innovation, building relationships, empowering employees, and promoting environmental sustainability.
To learn more about the program, click here.
