"Pack-to-School" – one of the Homeless Children's Education Fund's earliest programs – had over many years solicited donations of brand new backpacks and school supplies for distribution to the children living in shelters. In 2007, having partnered in recent years with Citizens Bank's "Tools for School" project, Pack-to-School was fully absorbed into the Citizens effort.

Now, as we approach the 2008 drive, it has been necessary to rename the project. By whatever name, however, the purpose is unchanged: to ensure that every one of these children can have a brand new backpack, filled with all the required supplies, on that important first day of school.

The 2008 collection drive begins July 14 and runs through August 8. During this period, Citizens and HCEF invite the general public to donate the supplies needed for the 3000 backpacks Citizens Bank employees are providing and filling, specifically

  • ballpoint and felt-tip pens
  • pencils, pencil sharpeners, erasers
  • rulers
  • markers and crayons
  • glue sticks
  • notebooks

These are to be taken to ANY Citizens Bank office in Allegheny and neighboring counties – including all of the branch offices in Giant Eagle stores. Individuals or groups wishing to provide backpacks are encouraged to donate large-sized packs suitable for middle and high schoolers.

While giving a fully supplied backpack to a child may seem a modest gesture, for the child receiving it that bookbag is a proud possession. With it, the child is just another boy or girl going to school, ready to learn. For a struggling mother there is tremendous relief in knowing her child will have the required school supplies she might not be able easily to provide.


The residential services coordinator at one of our affiliated shelters wrote:

" We just gave away the last backpack and wanted to express to you the gratitude we have received. We distributed 60 backpacks to children in our program – those living on-site and those who have lived here in the past. We distribute 90 to ____ Apartments where many of our students live, 150 to the elementary school on their first day of classes, and 50 to the Boys and Girls Club. . . .

I have enjoyed watching the kids pour out of school at the end of the school day – many with new book bags on their backs. We thank you for all you do to improve the lives of children living in poverty."

See the Tools for School 2007 photo story


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We salute these contributors to a very successful Tools for School 2007

Major partners

  • Citizens Bank and its employees
  • Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA)
  • Giant Eagle
  • WJAS-1320 AM
  • WPTT-1360 AM

Donors and volunteers
  • The eager crew of Citizens Bank employees who filled most all of backpacks with the required school supplies and helped load them on the buses
  • The Citizens Bank Tools for School organizers: Mary Weibel and Beth Lackner
  • Ralph Papa, President of Citizens Bank of Pennsylvania, the driving force behind the Tools for School project
    and HCEF volunteers
  • Barbara Berret
  • Amber Bongiorno
  • Carlin Christy
  • Brad Fish
  • Bob and Philomena Ford
  • Rochelle Gaines
  • Sharon Goldstein
  • Google Pittsburgh employees
  • Kenny's Club
  • Charity Leonette
  • Tina Lynch
  • Deborah Miskovich
  • Mom's Club of Monroeville
  • Al and Cindy Stanish
  • Mary Anne Tolbart
    and most certainly
  • the many nameless individuals who contributed backpacks and school supplies through the Citizens Bank offices and HCEF.




The Homeless Children's Education Fund is a registered 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization with United Way Donor Option #963315. Donations are tax-deductible in accordance with IRS rules and regulations. The official registration and financial information of the Homeless Children's Education Fund may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll free within Pennsylvania, 1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Updated 6/24/08