Deborah Heart and Lung Center is proud once again to support the local neighborhood community readying students to go back to school.

“Our neighboring children have had their worlds turned upside down since March,” said Deborah President and CEO Joseph Chirichella. “This school year is continuing to be as confusing and complex for our young neighbors as last spring.”

Chirichella said that the funds donated were earmarked for emergency and flexible use.

“In the past few years our priority was to make sure students had all the school supplies they needed to get off on good footing. This year that priority remains, but the scope has broadened.”

Among the top priorities during the school district’s remote start phase is making sure all students have reliable internet connection, the proper technology for virtual learning, and adequate nutrition.

“Remote learning will not work for our young neighbors if they don’t have the tools they need.”

Chirichella added that when students transition back to in-person learning, they would need other support.

“That is when backpacks will be critical, since it’s my understanding that children will have to keep their belongings with them throughout the school day. As well we want to make sure they have basic safety protections like masks and hand sanitizer to supplement what will be provided by the school district.”

“We are all stressed to varying degrees by the upheaval in our lives caused by the pandemic. It is gratifying to be able in some small way to help minimize the disruption that so many students are going through. We have always tried to be a good neighbor and help our community, and that has never been more important than now.”