Letters: Help Citizens Bank give school supplies to kids

One of the biggest challenges teachers face is keeping their students engaged in the learning process. Start off strong, and the chances for a good school year increase radically.

But across the Delaware Valley, some students are at a disadvantage because they lack something pretty basic - school supplies.

Yet it all makes sense. A child who begins or returns to school this fall lacking the physical tools needed to succeed - such as new paper, pencils, and a backpack - is more likely to struggle.

That's why Citizens Bank has again launched our annual Gear for Grades program. We are asking for the public's help to collect new school supplies in all 424 Citizens Bank branches throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. Between now and Aug. 9, we need pencils, pens, crayons, glue sticks, plastic rulers, erasers, safety scissors, and pocket folders.

In addition to the collection effort, Citizens Bank is donating $25,000 to Cradles to Crayons to help the nonprofit organization reach its goal of stuffing 10,000 logo-free backpacks in time for the start of school.

As you shop for school supplies for your own family, please consider purchasing a few extra items to help all of our children start school with the gear they need to succeed in school.

Daniel K. Fitzpatrick

President and CEO

Citizens Bank

for Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware