NEW YORK—To fight poverty in New York, George Soros, chair of the Open Society Institute, today announced a $35 million gift to support low-income families across the state purchasing supplies and clothing for the new school year. Back To School New York, a collaborative effort involving the State of New York and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will provide $200 per child to the families of the more than 850,000 children receiving public assistance or food stamps in New York State. Mr. Soros and Governor David Paterson announced the program in New York City.
"Even in the toughest of economic times, starting the school year right is key to a child's success," said Mr. Soros. "When I was a student after World War II, I had no money. I received financial help, and I remember how important that was to my education. Since then I have been very fortunate and am happy to have the opportunity today to help others. I hope these funds will relieve some of the financial burden on New York's families," added Mr. Soros, whose gift was made by the Open Society Institute's sister organization, the Foundation to Promote Open Society, which he also chairs.