With thousands of children on their way back to school, many without basic tools such as pens, pencils, and notebooks, employees of Axalta Coating Systems organized a school supply drive at the company’s North American headquarters in Glen Mills.

The drive took place over a three-week period in July and August. Employees donated hundreds of items, including notebooks, rulers, calculators, and more.

Axalta, a leading global supplier of liquid and powder coatings, is dedicated to giving back to the community. It partnered with Chester’s Cityteam, a nonprofit focused on meeting the needs of the less fortunate, to help future scientists, teachers, business leaders, and more return to school prepared with the essentials.

Cityteam and its force of volunteers sorted, placed items into backpacks, and distributed them to families at its annual “Backpack Day” collection event.

“Our annual ‘Backpack Day’ is one of the biggest highlights of our year here at Cityteam,” said Kwinn Tucker, City Director of Cityteam. “Seeing so many children smiling and happy and witnessing the joy that brings to their parents is priceless.

“We couldn’t do what we do here without the support and generosity of partners like Axalta who make it possible to serve over 2,000 children in need of backpacks and school supplies. We are so grateful for what all Axalta employees did to help people in need.”

“Axalta is excited to contribute to a program that helped fill backpacks so kids can start the school year with the supplies they need to succeed,” said Steve Maley, Human Resources Director at Axalta. “We are incredibly proud of our employees, who took it upon themselves to give to this excellent community cause. An investment in a child’s future is an investment well spent.”