Grieco Automotive Group dealerships in Johnston, East Providence, Middletown, Rhode Island, as well as Seekonk, Massachusetts, have been collecting new backpacks and school supplies to benefit the South Providence Health Equity Zone through Family Service of Rhode Island (FSRI). The donation drive began on July 22 and runs through Aug. 12.

This is the donation drive’s second year, according to Robert Grieco, Pre-Owned Director and Auto Group Partner.

This is just one way the business, headquartered in Johnston, “gives back to the community,” Grieco said earlier this week.

The supplies will be distributed to residents in each community, according to organizers. Each person who donates supplies at any participating dealership will receive a complimentary reusable shopping bag, courtesy of Grieco.

 “We encourage anyone who can, to join us in our effort to support Family Services of Rhode Island by dropping off a new backpack or school supplies,” said Michael Grieco Jr. of Grieco Automotive Group.  “One item can have a tremendous impact on a family struggling to prepare their children for the new school year.”

Needed items include the following:

• Paper: lined paper, copy paper, construction paper, spiral notebooks, composition books, index cards
• Pencils & Pens: blue or black pens, #2 pencils, colored pencils, erasers, pencil sharpener, pencil case, colored markers, crayons, highlighters, dry-erase markers
• General Supplies: new backpacks, rulers, dry-erase boards, paper clips, 3-ring 2" binders, pocket folders, report covers
• Classroom staples: stapler, staples, rulers, protractors, glue sticks, scissors, tape, calculator
• Basics: tissues, sanitizing wipes, hand sanitizer

Supplies can be brought to any of the following dealerships or purchased using Family Service of Rhode Island Amazon Wishlist (items purchased through Amazon Wishlist will be shipped directly to Family Service of Rhode Island). (Link to the Wishlist: https://a.co/eUfPtqz)

Participating dealerships with donation bins can be found at: Grieco Honda, 1880 Hartford Ave., Johnston; Grieco Hyundai, 1890 Hartford Ave., Johnston; Grieco Toyota, 415 Taunton Ave., East Providence; BMW of Newport, 1235 West Main Road, Middletown; and Grieco Acura, 16 Highland Ave., Seekonk, Mass.

Family Service of Rhode Island’s (FSRI) mission is to advance equity, opportunity and hope in the communities throughout the state, according to the organization which provides services in 39 cities and towns throughout Rhode Island.