The John Theissen Children's Foundation is continuing its efforts to help local underprivileged youngsters on Long Island go back to school in style with its Back to School Program. The foundation held a benefit Casino Night this May to help raise money for the program and has now organized a School Supplies Drive to be held the weekend of August 7 and 9 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Residents who are interested in helping these children are asked to stop by 1632 Wantagh Avenue in Wantagh (office in rear of the house) and drop off some new school supplies. The foundation is collecting spiral notebooks, marble notebooks, loose leaf binders, crayons, markers, colored pencils, pencils, ballpoint pens, rulers, pencil cases, scissors and glue. Those interested in helping may also sponsor a child for $139 per child. Sponsorship will help purchase new back to school clothing, including jackets, skirt/pants, sneakers/shoes and socks and underwear.

Those who wish to send a monetary donation are asked to please make checks payable to JTCF and send them to John Theissen Children's Foundation, 1632 Wantagh Avenue, Wantagh, NY 11793. Residents may also make a donation via credit card. All donations are tax deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law and will be acknowledged in writing by the foundation for IRS purposes.

The Back to School Program was organized to help needy children from low-income families across Long Island by providing them with new clothes and new school supplies for the upcoming school year. Realizing that back to school time can be difficult for many children whose families cannot afford new clothes or school supplies, the foundation felt that children should have a chance to attend school and feel good about themselves. Studies have shown that many children do not attend the first day of school because they are too embarrassed that they do not have new supplies and clothing. New clothes and school supplies are all significant items for a child who would otherwise go without.

The children will be given a profile page to fill out, which will include their name, age, sex, favorite color, clothing size, shoe size, what their preferences are as far as dresses or pants for girls and sportswear or plain clothes for boys. These children will be carefully selected through agencies and centers across Long Island. The distribution will take place in late August or early September before their first day of school.

In the past, the foundation has sponsored a few children, and through this Back to School Program, they are able to help many more. In addition to over 200 children across Long Island who will benefit, more than 50 youngsters from Levittown will benefit from the program this year. For more information about this program or the John Theissen Children's Foundation, call 679-TOYS.