We would like to thank all the good citizens of Buffalo who helped make the Citizens Bank’s Gear for Grades drive such an incredible success.

Many of us are fortunate enough to remember the excitement that came with going back to school. It was a chance to buy new school clothes, supplies, book bags and lunch boxes. Unfortunately, thousands of local children don’t share in this experience because for them, school supplies are a luxury.

With the help of our colleagues, customers and other members of the community, more than 350 children in Buffalo will go to school this year with the gear they need to learn.

More than 1,000 pounds of new school supplies were collected at Citizens Bank branches and departments across the Buffalo Region. Citizens Bank supplied backpacks that were stuffed with the new school supplies and dis- tributed to children throughout Buffalo with the help of the Police Athletic League of Buffalo.

At Citizens Bank, we believe good banking is good citizenship. We support the communities where we live and work through initiatives such as Gear for Grades.

We are fortunate that our colleagues, customers and members of the community are some of the most loyal, dedicated and generous people who continue to help make a difference time and again for their neighbors.

We feel privileged to have been able to personally distribute backpacks to some of the children. Witnessing the joy and excitement in their eyes is something we will not soon forget.

James Gaspo Citizens Bank president