Foresters Financial Services donates backpacks to student veterans
During the month of October, Citrus College student veterans were treated to a special surprise at the Veterans Success Center (VSC): nearly 60 new backpacks stuffed with school supplies, including stationery, binders and calculators, free to any student veteran.
The idea for the project came about when Alex Sierra, an investment advisor with Foresters Financial Services, informed accounting instructor Robert Smolin about a grant that was available for Citrus College. Mr. Sierra pitched the backpack idea to Mr. Smolin, and the two decided to use the grant to help student veterans.
According to Mr. Smolin, who also serves as faculty advisor to the Citrus Business Association, the student club has a history of supporting student veterans. In fact, the flag that flies outside the VSC was purchased using funds raised by the Citrus Business Association.
The college's partnership with Foresters has deep roots, as well. The firm currently provides retirement services to college employees, such as 403(b) plans, and they often speak to students about financial literacy.
On Sept. 15, Citrus College representatives, student volunteers from the Citrus Business Association and employees from Foresters worked together to prepare the backpacks. The student veterans were grateful — and, in some cases, stunned — to receive the gifts.
"Thanks to the grant, Foresters' generosity and the help of all the team members, many Citrus College student veterans will have access to essential school supplies — and a very nice backpack," said Mr. Smolin.
This article originally appeared in the November 2018 edition of the Citrus View.