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Going Back to School with New York Style

Operation Blessing reaches thousands of Metro New York children providing new clothing, shoes and supplies
as part of national-program

New York, NY - Manhattan based New York Christian Resource Center (NYCRC), the Metro New York Outreach Center of Operation Blessing International, will impact the lives of over 5,000 children before the end of the year by distributing brand new school supplies, clothing and shoes. Operation Blessing International is the relief and development affiliate of The Christian Broadcasting Network, Inc. Founded by Dr. Pat Robertson, CBN is the home of the long running daily program, The 700 Club, as seen on Fox Family Channel and other local stations.

700 Club viewers and partners from across the nation contribute to an annual campaign called "Back to School." Funding is channeled to local outreach centers nationwide, including NYCRC. The outreach center then raises community support, seeks merchant discounts and begins to effect distribution through a network of faith based organizations including churches of various denominations.

Operation Blessing's Metro New York director, Rev. Jim Esposito relates "Our media portray tragic examples of hurting children hurting children everyday. Through Back-to-School, we try to bring a message of healing, dignity and hope for a better future."

Children, up to high school age, are assisted through one of twenty-five area ministries in all five NYC boroughs, Long Island and Northern New Jersey. To participate the kids must promise to "Stay in school, off drugs and excel!" Most receive a gift certificate or debit card that they can use at participating merchants. This year, in our area, $25 K-Mart cash cards are available.

"Everyone does their part," Esposito relates. "Operation Blessing provides a large grant, K-Mart offers a discount, our network of churches and agencies 'match' the funding and community members donate back packs filled with supplies." Esposito smiles, "Even the City of New York waives sales tax for a week to maximize our purchasing power." When all combined, nearly $250,000.00 in clothing and supplies will be distributed throughout the fall and winter.

•    One boy from Copiaque, NY receiving assistance stated, "It's really very cool to know that God cares and that I can have new sneakers for the first day of school."
•    An HIV-positive, single mother from Manhattan is especially grateful for the assistance provided to her four children, exclaiming "This really is a blessing!"
•    Debbe Santiago, director of the Salt & Sea Mission in Coney Island was able to take dozens of children shopping at Brooklyn's K-Mart on Bay Parkway. Santiago shares, "My mission kids can go back to school in style thanks to NYCRC and Operation Blessing!"

For more information on how you or your agency can get involved in the Back to School program, visit New York Christian Resource Center's website at: www.nycrc.org. You can also leave a message at their Care Line: (718) 265-CARE.