Trumbull Councilman Hits the Streets, Gathers School Supplies

Town Council Representative Robert J. Pescatore, Jr., R-2, recently organized a school supply drive to provide materials for Trumbull students who do not have what they need for the new year.

Pescatore said that his team of volunteers was able to collect enough school supplies to fill eight backpacks. The councilman himself said was would deliver one bag to each of the town’s middle and elementary schools when school started Sept. 6.

“Not one student should be without the supplies they need to learn this school year, and it is my hope that this effort will reduce or eliminate the need for supplies this year,” said Pescatore.

Once he drops off the backpacks, Pescatore said, the schools will determine student need based on their knowledge of different family situations.

The volunteers set up a station in front of on Aug. 22 and Aug. 23 and collected donations of pens and pencils, notebooks, rulers, crayons, markers, mini-staplers, folders, and glue sticks, among other items.

The volunteers who took in the goods included PTSA Council President Cindy Katske, Senior Citizen Commission member Gary Raytar, and residents Anne Cottle, Lisa Valenti, Johanna Coffin, Sara Thornton, and Emma Thornton.

One town resident who is involved with the Sikorsky Aircraft Firefighters Union was able to get the organization to donate rulers and pencils.

Pescatore said the effort could not have been accomplished without the support and generosity of Trumbull citizens. He said he was glad to see that Porricelli’s patrons were enthusiastic about supporting the effort.

Coming into this school year, Pescatore said there is much to be done. “It is my hope that every student in our schools receives the best education possible this year and going forward. The purpose of this drive is to make sure that we help as many students as possible be able to achieve that goal,” he said.

As far as his hopes for Trumbull schools this year, Pescatore said that he would like to see progress on some of the overcrowding and class size concerns that have been raised. 

“I also hope that we can keep the educational system about education and not politics,” he said.

There will be more charity drives to come. Those wishing to get involved may contact Pescatore at 203-650-5348, or via e-mail at robpescatorejr@gmail.com.