First Artists-Syracuse University provides art supplies to local children’s programs

First Artists-Syracuse University provides art supplies to local children’s programsNovember 15, 2005

First Book/First Artists-Syracuse University has announced that community-based organizations in Syracuse will receive $4,202 worth of art supplies from First Artists.A subsidiary of First Book, First Artists is a national nonprofit organization whose mission is to inspire creative expression by providing art supplies to children from low- income families through existing preschool, tutoring and mentoring programs.

The 12 agencies that received funds to purchase art supplies serve 2,500 children at 27 sites. They include A.C.E. 21st Century After-school Program at Blodgett School, Atonement Lutheran Child Care Center, Boys & Girls Clubs of Syracuse, Catholic Charities of Onondaga County, Faith Hope Community Center, Huntington Family Centers Inc., Jowonio School, MANOS Family Literacy Program, Nurturing World Child Care Center Inc., P.E.A.C.E. Inc., People in Action and the Syracuse Northeast Community Center Advantage After-school Program.

“We are grateful to the CNY Community Foundation for the grant that allowed us the opportunity to provide art supplies in our community,” says Arlene Melchiorre, First Book/First Artists Coordinator at SU’s Mary Ann Shaw Center for Public and Community Service (CPCS).

First Book-Syracuse University is a Campus Advisory Board (CAB) facilitated by CPCS. Since becoming a CAB, First Book-Syracuse University has distributed more than 20,000 books in the Syracuse and Onondaga County communities. With support from the Central New York Community Foundation, First Book-Syracuse University has expanded to also become a First Artists CAB.