School Supplies Gift for Needy Causes a Stir

Bound to receive praise and protests:

To fight poverty in New York, George Soros, chairman of the Open Society Institute, today announced a $35 million gift to support low-income families across the state purchasing supplies and clothing for the new school year. Back To School New York, a collaborative effort involving the State of New York and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide $200 per child to the families of the more than 850,000 children receiving public assistance or food stamps in New York State. Mr. Soros and Governor David Paterson announced the program in New York City.

This explains the line outside of the check-cashing place in my neighborhood, which was completely made of women and young children. This is great.

“Even in the toughest of economic times, starting the school year right is key to a child’s success” said Mr. Soros. “When I was a student after World War II, I had no money. I received financial help, and I remember how important that was to my education. Since then I have been very fortunate and am happy to have the opportunity today to help others. I hope these funds will relieve some of the financial burden on New York’s families,” added Mr. Soros, whose gift was made by the Open Society Institute’s sister organization, the Foundation to Promote Open Society, which he also chairs.

Yes, I understand the fear/pessimism of some who think the money will go to drugs or flatscreen tv’s, but those school supplies and uniforms have to be purchased regardless. And it would have been advertising to purchase $200 Staples gift cards to hand out. Cash was the only way it could be done until technology catches up to be able to track items purchased from any store.

George Soros’s donation of $35 million will go to the State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, which oversees programs for low-income families. The State will receive an additional $140 million in funding through the federal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families emergency contingency fund.

This means his private donation is being matched by the US Economic Stimulus Plan. The State of New York would not have received any money from that Plan unless they were able to secure an additional donation from somewhere else.

Mr. Soros’ $35 million gift follows a $50 million pledge in May to help people in New York City living in poverty. These gifts, totalling $85 million, are among the largest ever made to satisfy basic necessities. In June, Mr. Soros gave $100 million to help communities in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union, regions deeply affected by the global downturn. Over the past 25 years, his charitable foundations have given away some $7 billion to strengthen communities and justice around the world.

Crayons and color markers are no longer on my teens’ mandatory school shopping lists; actually, the list has shrunk. However, the textbooks get heavier.