The Locations Foundation “Backpack to School” Event Supplies Children with Tools for Success

Prudential Locations’ charitable organization aims to fill more than 600 backpacks with school supplies for homeless youth

HONOLULU, HAWAII (June 27, 2008) – To celebrate 20 years of giving back to Hawaii’s community, The Locations Foundation aims to donate more than 600 backpacks filled with much-needed school supplies to children in homeless shelters on Oahu and Maui for its annual “Backpack to School” event.  In an effort to make this year’s delivery the biggest and best ever, The Foundation invites the public to participate in its school supply collection drive.  Supplies can be dropped off at any Prudential Locations office or retail location on Oahu and Maui from July 14-18, 2008, as well as any Prudential Locations open house on Sunday, July 13, 2008 and Sunday, July 20, 2008.

“The Backpacks for Schools event is much larger than just giving school supplies – it is about providing children with tools to succeed in life,” said Corinda Wong, Locations Foundation president and Prudential Locations agent.  “For the first time, we are utilizing Prudential Locations open houses and offices as drop-off stations, giving the community nearly 100 venues on Oahu and Maui to donate school supplies.”

Participates are being asked to donate the following supplies: Elmer’s glue sticks and four-ounce bottles, writing supplies such as number two pencils, black pens, red pencils and fine-point black markers.  Other items include white erasers, rulers and 24-packs of Crayola Crayons.  This selection of items ensures that each child will receive backpacks of equal value.

“Thousands of Hawaii children have benefitted from the charitable donations of The Locations Foundation,” said Mary Scott Lau, executive director of Women in Need.  “The receipt of a brand-new backpack brimming with new school supplies is a small gift that can give these children a path to a brighter future.”  

Shelters on Oahu that will receive backpacks include: Loilani Hale, Weinberg Village, Institute for Human Services (IHS), Next Step, Women in Need (WIN),Waianae Civic Center Shelter, Ohana Ola transitional housing, Windward Spouse Abuse Shelter, One Malu, Vancouver House and Family Promise.  On Maui, the Waikoloa Homeless Shelter will be the recipient of backpacks.

Prudential Locations Offices/Retail Locations Collection Drive -- July 14-18, 2008

OAHU

• Diamond Head: 614 Kapahulu Avenue, Suite 300
• Kailua: 16 Hekili Street, Suite B
• Mililani: 95-720 Lanikuhana Avenue, Suite 120
• Pearlridge Mall: Uptown
• Windward Mall: Center Court

MAUI

• Kihei: 1215 S. Kihei Road, Suite N
• Kahului: 151 E. Wakea Avenue, Suite 204
• Paia: 98 Hana Highway

 

Prudential Locations’ Open Houses Drop-Off -- July 13 and July 20

Offering nearly 100 drop-off locations on Maui and Oahu, Hawaii residents are encouraged to stop by any Prudential Locations open house on July 13 and July 20 to drop-off school supplies.  Check local newspaper listings and keep an eye out for Prudential Locations’ signs to find open houses in a neighborhood near you.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Full details of noteworthy media/photo opportunities will in a forthcoming media advisory.  Corinda Wong, The Locations Foundation president as well as Mary Scott Lau of Women in Need are available for interview.

About The Locations Foundation
The Locations Foundation is funded solely by donations from Prudential Locations agents and staff, many of whom give one percent of their annual income to the foundation. Founded in 1988, The Locations Foundation last year gave more than $100,000 to local charitable causes, and organized volunteer agents for numerous community events.