Annual 'Back to School' supplies drive critical amid pandemic

The annual Back to School drive hosted by the John Theissen Children’s Foundation in Wantagh kicked off this month and will run through September 12.

For over 20 years with community support, the foundation has collected and distributed new school supplies and backpacks for underprivileged children across Long Island in grades kindergarten through 12. The organization works with social workers and caseworkers from school districts and agencies across Nassau and Suffolk Counties to identify families and children in need.

But the Covid-19 pandemic has brought on additional challenges for parents this year, founder John Theissen, of Wantagh, said.

“This year is harder than ever,” Theissen said. “School is coming back after the pandemic and kids’ parents lost their jobs and it’s going to be a difficult year.”

Each child in need receives a backpack full of supplies, and a $100 gift card to purchase a new outfit for the first day of school, Theissen said.

The organization is currently accepting new backpacks, spiral and marble notebooks, loose-leaf paper, binders, crayons, markers, colored pencils, pencils and pencil cases, ballpoint pens, rulers, glue sticks and scissors. Monetary donations are welcome as well.

The drive originally started with just backpacks and supplies, but after finding out that some children were missing the first days of school because they were embarrassed for not having new clothes, Theissen collect clothing donations too.

“After hearing the stories from parents, I knew we had to help out,” he said. “It makes children feel bad when they don’t have all the supplies or new clothes for school.”

Social workers, agencies and homeless shelters send a list of the number of children in need to the foundation. Volunteers then prepare backpacks for children as supplies are collected. After the drive concludes, and the beginning of the school year approaches, social workers and families pick up their supplies at the Family Fun Center in Wantagh.

“This drive is so beneficial to children in need,” Gail Sherwood, a volunteer since 2002, said. “No child should feel like they’re less just because they don’t have the money to get new things.” The social workers and families are always “blown away” by how much is donated, she said.

Sherwood first got involved around Christmas 2001 when her godson, Matthew, wanted to help donate toys. Matthew, who died from a brain tumor the following spring, bonded with Theissen.

“I’ve seen so many kids grow up,” she said. “They’re always so happy to see me and receive their supplies. I love seeing their faces.”

“For the past five years, with the exception of Covid-19, my girls have gone every year to help out,” Carolyn Rochel, leader of Girl Scout Troop 3364 from Wantagh/Seaford, said. “It’s the highlight of the troop and they were so disappointed when they couldn’t help out last year.”

Theissen has helped Rochel’s family personally. One of Rochel’s daughters, Kaitlyn, battled Leukemia when she was younger. She said Theissen planned birthday parties for her daughter and set up camps for her when she couldn’t attend.

“It’s our way of helping him now,” Rochel said. “My daughters adore him. He’s from Wantagh and we’re from Wantagh and he’s great.”

The John Theissen Children’s Foundation was founded over 25 years ago after Theissen beat a brain tumor. Since then, the nonprofit has helped sick and underprivileged children.

The Back to School Program is just one part of the organization’s efforts. Other programs include the “Smiles and Miles” transportation program, which brings sick children back and forth to treatment and other places; a family fun center where sick children and their families can go and play, and more.

“He puts a smile on everybody’s face,” Sherwood said. “Everybody loves John.”

Donations can be sent to John Theissen Children's Foundation at 1881 Wantagh Ave., Wantagh, NY or made online at https://www.jtcf.org/make-a-donation.