Team Schein provides backpacks, school supplies, and more to support back-to-school needs of underserved students

Henry Schein is celebrating the 25

 This year, Team Schein Members at 34 locations, including 21 U.S. facilities and 13 international sites in five countries (Canada, Ireland, Italy, Spain, and United Kingdom) are donating backpacks filled with school supplies to more than 5,000 children. At each Henry Schein location, teams work with local social service agencies to identify participating children and their families. The “Back to School” programme is a flagship initiative of Henry Schein Cares, the company’s global corporate social responsibility programme.

 “Over the past 25 years, the ‘Back to School’ programme has continued to grow and evolve, helping to meet the ever-changing needs of the communities in which we live and work,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “Our inaugural programme served 175 children, and the Team Schein spirit has remained strong since the beginning, with Team Schein Members joining all over the world to help furnish children with the essentials needed to have a successful school year.

Back to School in the UK

Henry Schein UK provided 25 backpacks with school supplies to Bradfields Academy in Chatham, which aims to be a leading centre of excellence in the Special Education Sector where students can thrive and fully develop their cognitive, social and emotional skills in order to take a full, active and responsible role in their local community and beyond as Global Citizens and Ambassadors for students with disabilities.

 “Bradfields Academy is extremely grateful to the team at Henry Schein for including our students in their ‘Back to School’ bags scheme,” said David Waters, Head of Bradfields Academy. “Due to the significant cost of living crisis, many of our families are extremely impacted, and with the rising cost of clothing and uniforms, not all are able to provide students with the basic equipment that we would expect them have. The scheme has provided many students with a school bag containing all the necessary equipment for an excellent start to the year. I, on behalf of the academy, would like to thank Henry Schein for this support and their ongoing support of the academy, and the trust we are part of. I am certain that the students and families will also be passing on their thanks in their own way.” 

 Mr. Waters added, “Whilst students who do not have the correct equipment would never be put at a disadvantage, there is always a sense of pride from the students that have their own. This pride is now shared by even more students. In turn, this is reflected in their application in lessons, and has a positive impact on their progress. The kindness and support from the Henry Schein team has ensured that even more students can display this.”

The backpacks were delivered to the school by Team Schein Members Wayne Fisher (Operations Assistant, Materials Handling), Shantel Jarrett (Receptionist and Administrative Assistant), and Dean Knight (Communications and Engagement Partner, HR).

 “We are pleased to collaborate with Bradfields Academy to help their students have a successful academic year,” said Patrick Allen, Managing Director, Henry Schein Dental UK, Ireland, South Africa, and The Nordics. “Giving back to the communities we serve is the cornerstone of the Henry Schein culture, and we look forward to the ‘Back to School’ programme each year, because it provides our Team Schein Members with the opportunity to help make the first day of school enjoyable and stress-free for local students.”

How it all began

 “The ‘Back to School’ programme began when Team Schein Members came together with an idea to help kids in need, under the leadership of Gerry Benjamin, our recently retired Chief Administrative Officer, who played an integral role in making the programme what it is today. ‘Back to School’ exemplifies our longstanding commitment to investing in initiatives that raise awareness about, and deliver benefits to, underserved populations within the communities where we operate."