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Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chris Cinella delivered 80 backpacks and school supplies to Melrose Public Schools last week as part of his annual Back to School Supplies drive.
The drive, which is in its 12th year, continues to grow with record donations received in 2022.
MELROSE—In cooperation with the Mayor’s Office, Edward Jones Financial Advisor Chris Cinella delivered 80 backpacks and school supplies to Melrose Public Schools last week as part of his annual Back to School Supplies drive. The drive, originally launched in 2010, is an initiative to make sure every Melrose Public School student has the school supplies they need on the first day of school.
This year, Cinella collected a record number of school supplies at his downtown Melrose office, and thanks to the generosity of Melrose residents, dozens of Melrose students are starting the school year this Wednesday with brand-new backpacks, notebooks, and other much needed school supplies.
“When I first started this program, we received enough supplies to fill a box or two. For the last few years, we have collected the equivalent of 130 backpacks filled with school supplies, across all grade levels,” said Cinella. “The need is great, and it continues to grow, and the aftermath of the pandemic, combined with inflation, makes it difficult for some families to purchase what their children need for the upcoming school year.”
According to an annual KPMG survey, the average household is expected to spend $380 per student this back-to-school season, compared to $270 in 2021. This figure does not include the cost of extracurricular supplies such as sporting equipment or art supplies.
“All children deserve a fair chance at school success. Part of that success hinges on making sure every student has the supplies they need,” said Mayor Paul Brodeur. “For many families, spending upwards of $380 or more on these supplies is a significant challenge. I’m grateful for Chris’s continued efforts to help relieve families from this burden, and for the way the Melrose community comes together every year to support students in need. Thanks to them, all Melrose students have a better chance of a successful school year.”
Supplies were distributed to Melrose families through their local school. Families who are still in need of school supplies should contact their school’s principal.