San Jose, Calif./July 8, 2011 – Comerica Bank is launching a school supplies drive specifically to support children who are homeless. According to the San Jose Unified School District (SJUSD), approximately 340 students attending schools in the district are considered homeless. These are children who lack a fixed, regular and adequate residence. The school district’s Homeless Assistance Program works with families to ensure their children can continue their education despite not having a home.
Comerica’s six banking centers in San Jose will be collecting backpacks, school supplies and personal hygiene items from July 11- August 5.
“All students should have the supplies they need to go to school ready to learn.” said Comerica’s Retail Banking Regional Manager, Julius Chiang. “We hope our drive will bring awareness to the fact that there are hundreds of homeless children in San Jose and we can make a small difference in their lives.”
SJUSD’s Homeless Assistance Program is part of the Federal McKinney-Vento Program, which supports students from pre-school through grade 12.
Dr. Vincent Matthews, Superintendent of San Jose Unified commented, "We are grateful to Comerica for sponsoring the school supply drive for our homeless students. We feel it is imperative that all students have the opportunity for equal access to the tools necessary to support their learning. San Jose's spirit of community will carry these students forward as they continue their educational journey."
Comerica Banking Centers participating in the drive include:
• Downtown San Jose – 333 West Santa Clara Street, San Jose 95113
• Near the Airport – 226 Airport Parkway, San Jose 95110
• Almaden Valley – 1092 Blossom Hill Road, San Jose 95123
• Silver Creek – 5601 Silver Creek Valley Road, San Jose 95138
• Willow Glen – 1191 Lincoln Avenue, San Jose 95125
• Winchester – 1245 S. Winchester Boulevard, San Jose 95128
About Comerica:
Comerica Bank, founded 161 years ago, is a subsidiary of Comerica Inc., based in Dallas. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. Comerica Bank has confidence in the economy and the future of the Bay Area, and has backed up that confidence out of 13 banking centers in the region. The bank’s Western Market regional headquarters is in downtown San Jose, and offices in seven Bay Area counties provide a full range of financial services. Comerica Bank’s middle market group in San Jose specializes in serving manufacturers, distributors and wholesalers, especially those that are privately owned and/or owner-managed. The Technology & Life Sciences group, with its national headquarters in Palo Alto, serves technology, biotech and venture-backed companies. Wealth & Institutional Management, Treasury Management, Commercial Real Estate and Business Banking groups serve customers throughout the Bay Area.
Comerica Media Contact:
Susan Siravo
(408) 556-5112
sesiravo@comerica.com
SJUSD Media Contact:
Karen Fuqua
(408) 535-6444
Karen_Fuqua@sjusd.org
