For Two and A Half Decades, Team Schein Has Helped Spread Joy to Communities Around the World
Henry Schein, and Team Schein Members from around the globe are celebrating 25 years of the Company’s “Holiday Cheer for Children” program. Since 1999, the corporate flagship initiative has helped more than 20,000 underserved children and their families experience a cheerful holiday season, with members donating clothing, toys, gift cards, and more.
At its corporate headquarters in Melville, New York, Team Schein hosted a “Holiday Cheer for Children” event, where 100 children and their families opened presents while enjoying a fun-filled night with dinner, games and music. In addition, 300 children received gift cards purchased through support from the Henry Schein Cares Foundation to help alleviate some of the financial burdens many individuals face during the holidays.
“We are pleased to celebrate 25 years of fostering holiday joy for families all over the world,” said Stanley M. Bergman, Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer of Henry Schein. “‘Holiday Cheer for Children’ is not just an initiative, it is a reflection of Team Schein’s commitment to giving back to the communities in which we live and work. Thank you to all of Team Schein, who throughout the years, has helped keep the spirit of the program alive. We look forward to many more years of Holiday Cheer to come.”
In support of the communities surrounding the company’s corporate headquarters, Henry Schein partnered with ten Long Island-based social service organizations to pre-identify participating children and their families, including: Bethany House; Espoir Youth Program, Inc.; Family and Children’s Association; Family Service League; Hispanic Counseling Center; Madonna Heights; Nassau County Department of Social Services; The Raymar Children’s Fund; WellLife Network; and YES Community Counseling Center.
In the latest episode of #scheinchats, Henry Schein’s signature social media series, Larry Kravitz, Director of Organizational Development at Henry Schein, sat down with Mark Wenzel, Assistant Director at YES Community Counseling Center, to discuss how the program helps make the holiday season enjoyable for communities around the world.
“The ‘Holiday Cheer for Children’ program embodies the true spirit of the holidays – giving, generosity, and kindness,” said Wenzel. “From the exuberant child whose eyes light up when they receive a gift, to the grateful parent whose anxiety is relieved because they are able to purchase food for a holiday meal, this program has helped make the past 25 years unforgettable for many.”
This year, Team Schein Members from various company locations participated in the program, helping to brighten the holidays for more than 1,150 individuals in the United States, United Kingdom, Ireland and Spain.
“Seeing the smiles on the faces of our students and witnessing the joy and excitement in the air were priceless moments that will be cherished by both the students and our entire school staff,” said Sinéad Toomey, Principal of Thomond Primary School in Limerick, Ireland. “The holiday season can be particularly challenging for individuals and families facing financial hardships, and Team Schein’s efforts have truly made a difference. It lifted the spirits of individuals most in need and fostered a sense of community.”
“Holiday Cheer for Children” is an initiative of Henry Schein Cares, a global corporate social responsibility program, and is supported by the Henry Schein Cares Foundation, Inc., a 501(c)(3) organization that advocates and supports efforts to advance health equity and empower health care professionals to promote a healthier tomorrow.