Big Y Helps Local Schools in a Big Way

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. - Big Y here said yesterday that in the latest round of its Education Express Program, which ran from September 2004 to June 2006, it supplied over 2,000 schools across Massachusetts and Connecticut with more than $3.5 million in teaching materials and educational equipment.

Items received included 811 dictionaries, 3,956 pencil sets, and 5,560 playground balls, 3,600 books, 3,300 calculators, 300 color TVs, 500 musical instruments, 600 safety goggles, 300 microscopes, and 1,000 assignment books, said the chain.

Since it began in 1994, the program has awarded over $11 million dollars in free supplies and equipment to area schools.

"Recent budget cuts have put a tremendous strain on all schools in our market area," said chairman and c.e.o. Donald D'Amour in a statement. "Education Express has allowed many of them to replenish their supplies, update their technology, and offer student programs they might have otherwise discontinued."

The completely electronic program allows customers to buy money-saving products featured with the Big Y Express Savings Club electronic discount card, to earn merchandise points for the school of their choice. Schools redeem those points for free equipment and supplies.

Family-owned and -operated Big Y operates 56 stores throughout Connecticut and Massachusetts.