Donate To Give Kids Hope's Back-To-School Drive

A nonprofit organization that helps underprivileged children and families on Long Island announced it has launched a back-to-school collection drive.

Give Kids Hope, which was started by Melissa Paulson of Port Jefferson, will be collecting backpacks and other school supplies for children throughout Long Island.

Paulson originally started Give Kids Hope in 2012 to help children battling cancer after her daughter was diagnosed with high-risk Neuroblastoma at 18 months old.

"Since that day our whole life has changed in every way," Paulson said on Facebook. "Normal life became abnormal. Our normal routine would include going to the hospital for treatment and long periods of extended stays. We have experienced such a tragic time in our lives hearing the terrible words that your child has cancer. Not only has it been emotionally damaging but financially as well. Our mission is to provide families with financial support during this overwhelming and difficult time."

In 2018, the organization began focusing on helping underprivileged children and families on Long Island.

Earlier this month, Give Kids Hope finished a collection drive and donated enough fresh fruit and vegetables to feed more than 3o families.

The nonprofit's back-to-school collection isn't the only one going on. It is also collecting gently used or new baby to adult clothing, shoes , accessories, diapers, wipes, formula, kids items, children books, toys, household items, and toiletries to help underprivileged families in Long Island communities.

"Every month we serve hundreds to thousands of families in our communities who are unable to purchase the daily necessities," Paulson said. This event allows all families who are going through a hardship to shop for free."