Huntington Business Leads Backpack Drive for Local Children
Sweeties Candy Cottage runs donation drive to provide backpacks to children in need.

Huntington, NY, August 23, 2009 - For a store that specializes in personal indulgence, Sweeties Candy Cottage in Huntington is showing a remarkable charitable side as it leads a backpack drive for local children in need.

The store is asking people to purchase one extra backpack during their back-to-school shopping or donate gently used backpacks. The backpacks can be dropped off at Sweeties Candy Cottage until Labor Day weekend. For those that cannot get to the store, pick-up can be arranged through Theresa’s Family Cleaning by contacting Sweeties.

“I bought the store four years ago,” explained owner Lisa Hodes, “It was a real challenge but I feel like I have so many guardian angels in this community. People really rallied around me and helped me and the store. Now I feel like it is my time to give back - I want to do something like this every year.” She has given to numerous charities during her time at the store but she says the backpack drive is her largest effort yet.

The drive was announced on August 21st at a press conference at Sweeties. In attendance was Suffolk County Legislator Jon Cooper, who presented Hodes a county Proclamation for her community service. Cooper said, “With so many families in the town of Huntington facing real financial hardship as a result of today’s difficult economy, I’m grateful that many small business owners understand the importance of giving back to their community. I applaud Sweeties Candy Cottage for taking the initiative to organize this backpack collection drive. It will certainly help ensure that many local children have a sweet start to the new school year.”

The Huntington School District board and PTA are excited about this effort.
"We are pleased that local businesses are supporting the campaign and are urging individuals from the community to participate as well,” said board President Bill Dwyer, “The backpacks that are distributed to students who might not otherwise have them will be greatly appreciated. This program reflects the strong character of our community and we commend all those who have participated."

For more information please contact Sweeties Candy Cottage.

Contact:
Sweeties Candy Cottage 
142 E. Main St
Huntington, NY 11743
Ph: 631-423-7625
www.sweetiescandycottage.com