Supporting literacy even after Hurricane Sandy

Sandy Relief


BROOKE JACKMAN FOUNDATION OFFERS

RELIEF TO CHILDREN AFFECTED BY HURRICANE SANDY

Literacy Foundation Started after 9/11 Distributes More than 3,000 Brooke Packs

with School Supplies and Books to New York Area Shelters and Schools

New York, NY (November 20, 2012): In the wake of Hurricane Sandy, New York City officials estimate that more than 20,000 people were left homeless, many of them children. As shelters across the New York region swell with occupants, the Brooke Jackman Foundation (BJF), a non-profit organization that promotes literacy for at-risk children in the greater New York area, is taking action to support children who were affected by the storm, delivering children’s books as well as Brooke Packs – backpacks filled with books, pens, pencils, erasers, rulers and other school supplies – to shelters across the area.

“Founded after losing my sister, Brooke, in the 9/11 terrorist attacks, BJF is no stranger to tragedy, and in keeping with my sister’s giving spirit, we see the vital importance of helping support children during times of loss,” said Erin Jackman, BJF’s Executive Director. “Devastating events like this often affect kids the most, and we hope the books and Brooke Packs will provide entertainment and education to displaced children while also advancing our ultimate goal of increasing children’s literacy across New York.”

In recent weeks, BJF sent Brooke Packs to some of the hardest hit areas of Long Beach, Long Island, delivering 1,000 packs to the Long Beach Catholic School and 1,000 more to the Lindell Elementary School.

In partnership with “Rebound for Rockaway/Rebound for New York,” which was recently founded by the New York Knicks’ Tyson Chandler and his wife Kimberly, BJF has also sent hundreds of books to children in the Rockaways. 

Future book delivery locations include Island Park, Long Island, in partnership with FEGS Health and Human Services, and PS 317 in Rockaway Park.

 “This is only the beginning,” Erin Jackman added. “We intend to continue to deliver books and school supplies to children who need them in New York City, Long Island, and other hard-hit areas. We want to ensure that Sandy’s child victims have access to reading materials and school supplies at a time when they need them most.”

If you would like to support BJF’s Hurricane Sandy Relief Efforts or know of a school or shelter in need of books or school supplies, please visit brookejackmanfoundation.org.

The Brooke Jackman Foundation was created 11 years ago to honor Brooke Jackman, a bright and compassionate 23-year-old who was killed in the 9/11 terrorist attacks before achieving her dream of becoming a social worker. Brooke was an avid reader, and her passion and commitment to literacy and helping children spurred the Jackman family to create BJF as her living legacy – turning tragedy and despair into hope for a better world. Since 2001, the Brooke Jackman Foundation has donated nearly 200,000 books and over 20,000 Brooke Packs, backpacks filled with books and school supplies, to children and families in need. BJF has established four libraries, as well as a number of after-school literacy programs, at sites across all five boroughs, including homeless shelters and Family Justice Centers for victims of domestic violence and crime in Brooklyn, Queens and the Bronx. The Brooke Jackman Foundation Read-a-thon recognizes the hope born from the tragic events of that day and celebrates the resiliency of New York and its children.

For more information, please visit www.brookejackmanfoundation.org.

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Media Contacts:

Brittnie Mabry

brittnie@philandcompany.com

Office: 646. 490. 6446

Cell: 256. 339. 8303

Sara Lieber

sara@philandcompany.com

Office: 646. 490. 6446

Cell: 917. 370. 1531       

Brooke Jackman Foundation