Giving Children the Tools to Succeed LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., July 31 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The cost of purchasing school supplies can be prohibitive for many families, especially in these challenging economic times. However, Astoria Federal Savings is committed to making sure that children do not go without essential back-to-school supplies such as backpacks, notebooks, pens and pencils, and invites the community to join in its 10th annual Kids Tools for School collection drive. Throughout August, Astoria Federal will collect new school supplies and cash donations at each of its 85 branches in Nassau, Suffolk, Brooklyn, Queens and Westchester. Astoria Federal is committed to its philosophy of "Putting people first" in the neighborhoods it serves, and will match up to $10,000 in cash donations to purchase supplies in bulk. Astoria Federal's goal is to collect more than one ton of supplies this year. Teachers have observed that children who start school without the necessary school supplies are often distracted, embarrassed and their learning can suffer too. "We believe that all children should have the tools they need to succeed in school so they can reach their full potential. Together, with the community's support, we can really make a difference in hundreds of children's lives," said Astoria Federal Savings' Senior VP/Director of Marketing Brian Edwards. Since its inception a decade ago, Kids Tools for School has collected and distributed nearly 10 tons of supplies to children served by homeless shelters, social service agencies, or those experiencing temporary hardships. Last year, Edwards noted, the Kids Tools for School drive received a record-breaking number of donations and brought smiles to the faces of many children. "This year, we hope to reach out to even more children who need our help," he said. Astoria Federal is proud of the support it has received this year from its many program partners including: Anton Community Newspapers, BJM Promotions, Inc., Brooklyn Chamber of Commerce, Girl Scouts of Nassau County, Girl Scouts of Suffolk County, Herald Community Newspapers, Junior League of Long Island, Long Island Parent magazine, Long Island Radio Group, Long Island Rail Road, Order Sons of Italy in America - Mario Lanza Lodge #2491, OST Group, Inc., The Garden City News, The Queens Courier and Queens Chamber of Commerce. The Kids Tools for School Collection Drive is part of Astoria Federal's Education First initiative, which includes the Student Savers and Bank-at-School programs, as well as The First Home Club(TM) to promote homeownership. These programs and others were all designed to encourage lifelong learning in the communities Astoria Federal serves. For additional information about Astoria Federal's Kids Tools for School collection drive visit http://www.astoriafederal.com/. Astoria Financial Corporation, with assets of $21.1 billion, is the holding company for Astoria Federal Savings and Loan Association. Established in 1888, Astoria Federal, with deposits in New York totaling $13.6 billion, is the largest thrift depository headquartered in New York and embraces its philosophy of "Putting people first" by providing the customers and local communities it serves with quality financial products and services through 85 convenient banking office locations and multiple delivery channels, including its enhanced website, http://www.astoriafederal.com/. Astoria Federal commands the fourth largest deposit market share in the attractive Long Island market, which includes Brooklyn, Queens, Nassau, and Suffolk counties with a population exceeding that of 38 individual states. Astoria Federal originates mortgage loans through its banking and loan production offices in New York, an extensive broker network covering sixteen states, primarily along the East Coast, and the District of Columbia, and through correspondent relationships covering seventeen states and the District of Columbia. DATASOURCE: Astoria Federal Savings CONTACT: Wendy O'Neill, Astoria Federal Savings, +1-516-327-7863, Web Site: http://www.astoriafederal.com/

Copyright