Hartford Public School students headed to the first day of class geared up with brand new school supplies courtesy of New Country Motor Cars’ 5th Annual “Stuff the MINI to the Max” campaign. A caravan of colorful MINI Cooper cars jammed with backpacks, pencils, paper and more rolled down Main Street to the Family Services of Hartford Public Schools Welcome Center on August 27th, where theywere greeted by cheering crowds of children, parents and teachers.
Superintendent of Hartford Public Schools, Dr. Leslie Torres-Rodriguez, and other Hartford school representatives were on hand to help distribute the supplies and to show their appreciation to Sam Herman, Sales Manager of New Country MINI, and the entire staff of New Country MINI.
"Thanks to the wonderful managers of local Staples stores and our media partner Channel 3, we shattered last year’s total and had to condense 15 carloads of supplies into 9 to get them delivered!" exclaimed Herman. “We are indebted to everyone who generously donated to help these students.”
Donations were accepted at the New Country dealership in Hartford and at Staples stores in Glastonbury, West Hartford, Newington, Southington and Vernon during the month of August. Additionally, Channel 3 hosted a supply drive at the station in Rocky Hill on August 9th.
New Country MINI created the program five years ago to ensure Hartford teachers and students are prepared for class and to ease the financial burden on parents. Approximately 25,389 students were enrolled in Hartford Public Schools in 2017, with 74% qualifying for free or reduced priced lunch. An estimated 35% of Hartford students live in poverty.
“Thankfully every year the amount of school supplies from New Country grows as the need continues to grow,” said Marta Bentham, Director of Family Services & Ombudsman of Hartford Public Schools’ Welcome Center. “The donation helps us remove one of the barriers to academic success faced by our students and we are eternally grateful for their support.”
New Country Motor Cars of Hartford has several locations representing Mercedes-Benz /smart / Sprinter, and New Country BMW-MINI. The organization prides itself on world-class knowledge and impeccable service. New Country MINI is Connecticut’s foremost authorized MINI Cooper dealer offering top-notch new and pre-owned MINI sales, service, parts and accessories. Visit the showroom at 236 Reverend Moody Overpass, Hartford, CT. For more information visit www.newcountrymini.com.