Prudential Insurance to supply Aspiranet foster youth with school supplies through donation drive

July 27, 2012 - PRLog -- (FRESNO, Calif.) – Prudential Insurance Co. of America will help ensure foster youth make the grade this year by supplying foster children and teens of Aspiranet with school necessities donated through the company’s annual Backpack Challenge from Monday, Aug. 6, until Friday, Aug. 10.

Since the renowned real estate company launched the Prudential Backpack Challenge in 1999, more than 43,000 backpacks have been collected and donated to deserving foster youth throughout the United States.

“It is so important for our foster children and teens to be equipped with all of the necessary resources for school as they go through this transition in their lives,” said Samantha LaGrasse, Fresno Program Supervisor for Aspiranet. “We are grateful to Prudential for their generous support of foster youth. Our kids will be set up for success this upcoming school year.”

The public’s help is needed to fill backpacks with age appropriate personal items and school supplies which will be given to foster children served by Aspiranet, one of California’s largest nonprofit social service agencies.

Items needed for infants and toddlers include: educational toys and games, diaper bag, diapers, lightweight blankets, baby care products, and disposable cameras and photo albums to create lifebooks for these youth.

For children in the 5 to 17 age group, appropriate donations include: school supplies, socks, personal hygiene and care items, pajamas or sleepwear, disposable cameras, photo albums and gift items such as books or small toys.

Items are also needed as well for youth 18 and over who are aging out of the foster care system and transitioning into life on their own or at college. Donations needed include personal hygiene items, cosmetic or toiletry bags, sleeping bags, first-aid kits, sleepwear, socks, and gift cards to grocery and pharmacy stores or home furnishing stores.

Donations can be dropped off at the Aspiranet office, located at 1320 E. Shaw #140, Fresno, Calif. 93710.

About Aspiranet
Aspiranet, a nonprofit 501(c)(3) charity, supports foster children, siblings, families, and the community with 35 core programs offering specialized services through 45 satellite centers within California.

Founded 35 years ago as a six-bed group home for young boys in Moss Beach, Calif., Aspiranet is one of the most diverse nonprofit social service agencies in the state. With a statewide network of innovative services, Aspiranet has touched the lives of over 10,000 families and children since its founding.

Aspiranet’s vision of bringing families together and helping foster children, siblings, and parents thrive is realized through six areas of expertise – Family Services, Foster Care, Adoption, Education, Afterschool programs, and Community Partnerships. For more information, please visit www.aspiranet.org.