NFA Junior Rallies American Support for Athens Children with Nonprofit

This past summer, George Eliadis, a Newburgh Free Academy rising Junior proud of his Greek heritage travelled to Greece on behalf of the nonprofit he founded, Supplying Our Scholars. Supplying Our Scholars collects donations of school supplies for distribution amongst children in need in Greece. In September 2018, Supplying Our Scholars distributed school supply kits to 66 children in the Athens, Greece area.

“Whether it be economic stagnation or the recent disaster in Mati that left 99 dead, issues of the past few years have affected many Greeks in every aspect of their lives. Our mission is to cast light upon troubles faced by the people of Greece and bring them to the attention of the American community. As a student, stories I heard about children made me think. While it is education that empowers these children, the sad truth is that circumstances beyond their control can impede on their right to it. Every child should have school supplies and that is why we call upon our fellow youth, teachers, professionals, and citizens to raise awareness and supply our scholars.'" George Eliadis, Newburgh Free Academy scholar and founder of Supplying Our Scholars.

Through this summer’s project, 66 children who might otherwise went through the school year without basic school supplies were given tools to improve the quality of their education. While in Greece, my cousins along with my brother John and I assembled 66 kits of supplies containing pencil pouches, folders, notebooks, paper, erasers, pens, pencils, crayons, colored pencils, markers, and other assorted school supplies.

The municipality of Neo Iraklio was given 43 school supply kits to be distributed to families at their food pantry. Nea Ionia received kits for 11 children in need aged 8-17 living in a children’s home. We also worked in conjunction with “Smile of The Child”, a Greek nonprofit dedicated towards putting a smile on the face of every child affected by disaster, abuse, medical issue, or poverty. 12 children in their Maroussi home received these kits, showing great joy upon opening them. In a letter, “Smile of the Child” founder Giorgios Giannapoulos expressed many thanks on behalf those who stand together in their mission of helping every child.

"With almost a year until our next planned distribution next summer in 2019, it is my hope that we can bring supplies to children living all throughout Greece. While this summer’s drive aided children in 3 Attika neighborhoods, our goal for next year is to serve children in all 13 administrative regions of Greece. I hope to see our Greek outreach multiply through the establishment of “Supplying Our Scholars” chapters throughout Greece. By doing so we can connect Americans with children living in need in every part of the country. By supplying these young students with school supplies, I believe that we are affirming them in their educational journey.” George Eliadis, Newburgh Free Academy scholar and founder of Supplying Our Scholars.              

Story and photos provided by George Eliadis, Newburgh Free Academy scholar and founder of Supplying Our Scholars.                                          

ATTENTION: Are your scholars or colleagues doing something great? Please contact the district Communications Team at communications@necsd.net. We’d love to visit your class or event and/or post your pictures and recap to highlight the amazing accomplishments throughout our district!