Gear for Grades

(WTNH) -- Through the Gear for Grades initiative, Citizens Bank helps to ease the financial burden that many families face during the back to school season.

By collecting donations of new school supplies such as pencils, pocket folders, glue sticks and notebooks in each of its branches throughout the state, Citizens ensures that children have the supplies they need to return to school.

Last year alone, Citizens Bank distributed nearly 30,000 backpacks throughout its footprint to children in need. This year is cause for celebration, as Citizens Bank will donate its 200,000th backpack.

Citizens Bank will be collecting school supplies now through August 10th at any Citizens Bank branch. In addition to in-branch collection, supplies will also be collected at New Britain Rock Cats games August 14, 15 & 16. All those who donate will receive a free ticket voucher to a future Rock Cats game.

Items needed include:

• Index Cards
• Crayons
• Erasers
• Colored Pencils
• Child-safe Scissors  
• Washable Markers
• Spiral Notebooks
• Rulers
• Pencils/Pens  
• Pencil Boxes  
• Pocket Folders
• Glue Sticks

Visit www.citizensbank.com to learn more.