Henry Schein Helps Children Go Back to School for Tenth Consecutive Year
More than 6,000 children have benefited from the Company's annual program designed to lift spirits and confidence in the classroom
MELVILLE, N.Y.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 30, 2007--As fall marks the beginning of a new school year, Henry Schein's annual Back to School program is once again helping less fortunate children in communities across North America step into the classroom well dressed and properly supplied for first day of learning.
This year Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSIC), the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets, is providing more than 1,800 children with complete new outfits for their first day of school, including sneakers, socks, undergarments and pants or skirt. In addition, children will receive a backpack filled with school supplies, reading books and hygiene products to make their first day enjoyable and stress-free. The initiative, now in its tenth year, is part of Henry Schein Cares, the Company's global social responsibility program.
"Henry Schein's annual Back to School program has become greatly anticipated throughout Team Schein and our communities because it enables us to directly enhance a child's life," said Gerald A. Benjamin, Executive Vice President and Chief Administrative Officer for Henry Schein. "Team Schein Members are provided with a child's profile, and they contribute their own time and money to select clothing they believe the child will appreciate. Best of all, we invite participating children to Henry Schein for a special party where we present them with their new outfits and backpacks of books and supplies. Team Schein Members staffing the party see first hand the smiles and excitement of these children as they receive and open their gifts. It is a unique experience that strengthens Team Schein spirit as it enriches the life of everyone involved."
Henry Schein's Back to School program was introduced in 1998 where the Company furnished clothing and school supplies to 75 children and worked with local social service organizations to identify the recipients. The program has grown steadily over the last 10 years. This year, Team Schein Members from Florida, Indiana, Nevada, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, and Wisconsin in the United States; and from Halifax, Montreal, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Toronto in Canada are participating in the program, purchasing clothes to make kids feel great when they reenter the classroom.
"Early childhood development studies clearly indicate that children who enter the school year on an even level with their peers, possessing the proper clothing, books, classroom supplies and other learning tools, enjoy a higher level of academic achievement and social development," said Jim Harnett, President and CEO for Family and Children's Association based in Mineola, New York. "Henry Schein's Back-to-School program bolsters the confidence these kids need to start a new school year and significantly enhances their self-image and sense of confidence. Henry Schein is a recognized 'Champion of Children' and makes it possible for kids who would likely never have these advantages to move from a position of need to succeed."
In addition to donations by Team Schein Members and contributions from the Company, Henry Schein has inspired numerous other local businesses and Henry Schein supplier partners to participate and provide valuable support the 2007 Back to School program.
About Henry Schein
Henry Schein, Inc. (Nasdaq:HSIC), a Fortune 500(R) company, is the largest distributor of healthcare products and services to office-based practitioners in the combined North American and European markets. The Company is recognized for its excellent customer service and highly competitive prices. Henry Schein's four business groups - Dental, Medical, International and Technology - serve more than 500,000 customers worldwide, including dental practices and laboratories, physician practices and veterinary clinics, as well as government and other institutions.
The Company operates through a centralized and automated distribution network, which provides customers in more than 200 countries with a comprehensive selection of more than 85,000 national and Henry Schein private-brand products in stock, as well as over 100,000 additional products available to our customers as special-order items. Henry Schein also offers a wide range of innovative value-added practice solutions for healthcare professionals, such as ArubA(R), the Company's electronic catalog and ordering system. Its leading practice-management software solutions have been installed in more than 50,000 practices, including DENTRIX(R) and Easy Dental(R) for dental practices, MicroMD(R) for physician practices, and AVImark(R) for animal health clinics.
Headquartered in Melville, N.Y., Henry Schein employs nearly 12,000 people and has operations in 19 countries. The Company's sales reached a record $5.05 billion in 2006. For more information, visit the Henry Schein Web site at www.henryschein.com.
CONTACT: Henry Schein, Inc.
Susan Vassallo, 631-843-5562
Vice President, Corporate Communications
susan.vassallo@henryschein.com
SOURCE: Henry Schein, Inc.