Jovia Financial Credit Union continued its longstanding support of the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) this summer, with team members volunteering their time to help prepare for and participate in the organization’s annual Backpack Pirates event, providing local children with a memorable day of summer fun and the supplies they need to start the new school year with confidence.
More than 50 Jovia team members volunteered throughout the effort, which began in June with Jovia’s school supply collection drive, continued on August 1 at LICH’s annual Sort & Pack event where volunteers helped organize and assemble backpacks filled with essential school supplies, and culminated on August 25 with the Backpack Pirates one-day summer camp experience in Wheatley Heights.
The Backpack Pirates event gives children living in homeless shelters across Long Island an opportunity to simply enjoy being kids before heading back to school. Throughout the day, 135 campers participated in activities including sports and field games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, swimming, dancing and more. Each child also had the opportunity to select a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies, along with new clothing for the upcoming school year.
“There’s something especially meaningful about helping children start a new school year feeling excited, prepared and confident,” said Peter Purpura, Vice President of Business Development at Jovia Financial Credit Union. “Our team is proud to continue supporting the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless, from packing backpacks and school supplies to being part of this incredible day.”
Jovia’s involvement with Backpack Pirates is part of the credit union’s broader commitment to supporting education, strengthening families and creating opportunities throughout the communities it serves. Each year, Jovia volunteers partner with Backpack Pirates to help assemble backpacks and essential supplies for LICH, continuing a relationship that combines financial support with hands-on employee volunteerism.
“Backpack Pirates is about giving children a day to simply have fun and be kids, while making sure they head into the new school year with the supplies, clothing and confidence they need,” said Rosemary Ortlieb, Director of Development at the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless. “Longtime partners like Jovia help make that possible year after year. We’re incredibly grateful for the Jovia volunteers who roll up their sleeves to help us prepare for the event and then come back to share in this special day with the children we serve.”
