Forte Construction donates stocked backpacks for Helping Hands

Employees of Holbrook-based general contracting firm Forte Construction came together to assemble 50 backpacks stocked with school supplies to join in the Helping Hands Rescue Mission’s Best First Day program.

Helping Hands, a Huntington Station nonprofit, runs its annual Best First Day program each August, an initiative designed to equip Huntington residents facing economic challenges with backpacks and crucial school supplies.

“Recognizing education’s pivotal role in shaping the prospects of future generations, Forte Construction Corp. takes immense pride in its partnership with Helping Hands and is united in the mission to empower local families and pave the way for their children’s educational success by ensuring that children are equipped with the tools they need to succeed and thrive in a classroom environment,” Forte employee Kristina Ifkovits said in a written statement.

With the escalating costs of sending children and young adults back to educational institutions, the initiative couldn’t have come at a better time.

A recent study by the National Retail Federation, conducted in July 2023, revealed a 12.4 percent rise in back-to-school expenses for families with children in elementary through high school. The study indicates that back-to-college spending is projected to reach $94 billion, a substantial $20 billion increase compared to the record set in 2022.

Forte Construction’s association with Helping Hands Rescue Mission traces back to 2020 when the firm was introduced to the organization’s efforts by a longstanding staff member. Forte Construction’s commitment to giving back is underscored by its annual Staff-Picked Charity initiative, an endeavor that allows staff members to nominate their favorite charitable causes. The chosen nonprofit receives a $10,000 donation, showcasing Forte’s dedication to positively impacting the community it serves.