Connecticut Higher Education Trust Celebrates Third Annual Book Bag Donation

HARTFORD, Conn., Aug. 22, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier joined state officials today for the Third Annual Book Bag Donation sponsored by the Connecticut Higher Education Trust (CHET), where more than 1,529 book bags and school supplies were collected for distribution to students in need who will be entering kindergarten through sixth grade across the State.

Treasurer Nappier, who serves as Trustee for CHET, has partnered with the State Department of Children and Families and the Salvation Army of Southern New England to distribute book bags that contain notebooks, pencils, rulers, water bottles, folders, markers, and more. In addition, the Department of Economic and Community Development worked with the Office of the State Comptroller and the State Department of Consumer Protection to organize a collection of back packs and school supplies from their employees, to add more back packs stuffed with a variety of school supplies to the donation.

"Gearing up for back-to-school is always hectic, and can be particularly challenging for families that may not have the means to purchase everything that their child may need.  The CHET Book Bag Donation helps get basic supplies to students so that they have a good start to the academic year," said Treasurer Nappier.  

Comptroller Kevin Lembo added, "Every child deserves to begin their school year fully equipped for academic success, regardless of their family or financial circumstances. I am incredibly grateful and proud that so many employees from the Office of the State Comptroller (OSC) and other state agencies generously donated truck loads of book bags and supplies, helping to ensure that children in Connecticut start their school year on the right step."

In addition to school supplies, CHET included information about the importance of saving early for higher education expenses. 

The Department of Children and Families will distribute book bags to its area offices located in Bridgeport, Danbury, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Milford, New Britain, Norwalk, Norwich, New Haven, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Willimantic.

The Salvation Army of Southern New England will distribute book bags to its Connecticut Corps Community Centers in Ansonia, Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, New Britain, New Haven, New London, Norwalk, Norwich, Stamford, Torrington, Waterbury, and Willimantic.

About CHET
The CHET 529 direct-sold college savings plan was established in 1997 and as of July 31, 2012, has grown to more than $1.6 billion in assets and more than 81,000 individual accounts. Connecticut State Treasurer Denise L. Nappier serves as Trustee of CHET. The plan manager is TIAA-CREF Tuition Financing Inc. For more information about CHET, visit www.aboutchet.com or call the customer service center at (866) 314-3939.

SOURCE State of Connecticut Treasurer's Office