On 8/29/2026, the AYLUS Syosset Branch volunteered at Shoprite of Plainview, collaborating with Island Harvest to host a Back to School Drive! Our mission was to donate at least 100 pounds of items to distribute to underprivileged students across Long Island, ensuring all kids have an equal opportunity to learn and have ample school supplies for the year. The Syosset community came together to pass our goal substantially, funding and donating 415 pounds of school supplies for students in the Long Island community! In fact, we estimate to have donated 800 total items, across 16 boxes and bags of goods.
Volunteers helped with organizing the drive, sharing checklists with Shoprite customers, and receiving donations from generous community members! Volunteers did a great job tracking the amount of goods we received by taking pictures each hour. Our volunteers gained communication skills and a practical social experience by sharing our mission of the Back to School Drive and the objectives of AYLUS as a whole.
This event proved that when you combine hard-working volunteers with a generous community, everyone benefits. We had an amazing experience hosting our first Back to School Drive, the Syosset community felt inspired by our hard work and dedication, and the students who receive the supplies will feel relief and grateful for our donations!
Donation Stats:
- 415lbs of school supplies total!
- 13 full boxes and 3 bags
- ~850 quantity of school supplies (estimated)
- More than 10 backpacks!
Reported by Nathaniel Tsai
Nathaniel Tsai: 4 hours
Cameron Tsai: 4 hours
Nicole Zhang: 4 hours
Gavin Pan: 4 hours
Shawn Yu: 4 hours
Nicole Chen: 4 hours
Alisha Nee: 4 hours
Aiden Zheng: 4 hours
