NEW YORK, NY, December 1, 1998  -- Parents who are hard pressed to pay for public school uniforms soon-to-be mandated for pre-kindergarten through sixth grade students by the New York City Board of Education, will receive financial assistance from a special fund being created by the Check Cashers Association of New York (CCANY), it was announced here today.

Representing owners of check cashing businesses throughout the city, CCANY is partnering with Western Union Financial Services, Inc. in launching a pilot program to help families pay for uniforms in several school districts this fall. If successful, CCANY hopes to expand the program citywide by 1999.

"We’re asking each of our member locations to contribute to the fund, which will be matched dollar for dollar by our friends at Western Union," William Siegel, CCANY’s uniform fund chairman explained. "The Board of Education will administer the selection process to determine which students will qualify for this financial aid. Together with CCANY’s highly successful scholarship fund, we are truly giving back to the community we serve."

"Wearing uniforms to school has always been the distinctive hallmark of New York’s prestigious private schools. CCANY’s board members agree with the city administration and school leaders, that the discipline imposed by uniforms, will help build confidence and self esteem among New York City’s public school students."

Helping families pay for newly-mandated public school uniforms in New York City's pilot program, a check for $30,000 was given to NYC Board of Education President William Thompson (far right).  Making the presentation were (L-R) Brian Hodgdon, business development manager, Paul Schmidt, business development sales manager, Western Union Financial Services, Inc., and William Siegel, chairman, CCANY School Uniform Fund Committee and a CCANY director.

# # #

Note:  Prior to May 2004, the Financial Service Centers of New York (FSCNY) was named the Check Cashers Association of New York (CCANY). Consequently, press releases and articles during that time period reflect the organization's CCANY name.