COLUMBUS, Ohio – As part of its annual “Backpack Index,” Huntington National Bank is wrapping up a back-to-school donation program equipping 14,000 children with backpacks and school supplies in the communities it serves. This is the fourth year Paul Werth Associates has supported the Huntington Backpack Index campaign, which compiles annually the approximate costs of required classroom supplies at the elementary, middle and high school grade levels.
“Werth is proud to be a partner with Huntington rolling out the Backpack Index every summer,” said Sandra Harbrecht, Werth president and CEO. “It was even more rewarding this year to share the message as Huntington took the program to the next level by supporting families in need in partnership with Big Lots and Meijer.
“Huntington has always understood that back-to-school supplies shopping can strain the budgets of families already having difficulty making ends meet,” Harbrecht said. “Werth applauds Huntington’s vision in enhancing the Backpack Index with this generous donation.”
Huntington’s donation announcement attracted media recognition throughout the bank’s Midwest service area, with coverage in all of the primary and surrounding Huntington markets: Akron/Canton, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Grand Rapids, Indianapolis, Pittsburgh, Toledo and Youngstown. Additionally, the cost index appeared in coverage nationwide, including FOX Business’ “Money for Breakfast” program and Bloomberg.
Through tracking typical school supplies lists, Huntington has observed a significant increase over the past three years in the cost to send children back to school. Costs have risen 34 percent for elementary school children, from $351 to $472, and 11 percent for high school students, from $894 to $998. Only costs for middle school students have remained relatively stable, at $535.
About Paul Werth Associates
Founded in 1963, Paul Werth Associates is a full-service public relations, marketing and public affairs firm counseling clients throughout the United States. The firm has offices in Columbus, Ohio and Washington, D.C.
Paul Werth Associates has previously received nine Silver Anvils, which is the highest level of recognition in the public relations industry. The Silver Anvil Award recognizes complete programs incorporating sound research, planning, execution and evaluation. They must meet the highest standards of performance in the profession.
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