Back to School: Supporting Long Island Families in Need

As summer comes to an end, many families across Long Island are preparing for the start of a new school year. For children, this season often brings the excitement of new teachers, classmates, and opportunities to grow in knowledge and faith. But for many families, “back to school” also means stress, worry, and financial strain.

While Long Island is known for its beaches, thriving communities, and excellent schools, thousands of children here live at or below the poverty level. For these families, the cost of school supplies, new shoes, backpacks, and even daily lunches can feel overwhelming. Instead of being filled with joy and anticipation, the school year can begin with anxiety and uncertainty.

The Hidden Struggle on Long Island

Behind the bustling neighborhoods and busy schedules, too many parents face difficult choices between paying rent or buying notebooks, putting food on the table or replacing worn-out sneakers. These struggles often remain unseen, yet they impact children right here in our parishes and schools.

No child should have to start the school year without the essentials that help them learn and thrive. Beyond pencils and paper, these items symbolize dignity, belonging, and hope.

How We Can Help

This is where faith in action comes alive. Parish Social Ministries and Catholic ministries across Long Island work tirelessly to provide families with the support they need, whether it’s backpacks filled with supplies, healthy meals, or emergency assistance. These programs, sustained by the generosity of parishioners, remind families that they are not alone.

When you give to the Catholic Ministries Appeal, you help ensure that children in need can walk into their classrooms with confidence, ready to learn and grow. Your generosity provides more than material items; it plants seeds of hope, stability, and faith for families struggling to make ends meet.

A Call to Compassion

As we send our own children and grandchildren back to school, let’s remember those who are silently carrying heavier burdens. Together, we can make this school year brighter for every child on Long Island, ensuring they have the resources and support they need to succeed.

In the words of St. Teresa of Calcutta: “If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one.” Every donation, every act of kindness, makes a difference.