When the School Bell Rings, Rider Men's Basketball Supplies the Need
School Supplies Donated to Mentorship Program

LAWRENCEVILLE--As the new school year approaches, families around the region are heading to stores to stock up on the basics needed for a successful start to the academic year, buying backpacks, crayons, markers, pencils and pens.

For many in the area however, those basic needs would go unfulfilled without many of the colleges and universities in Mercer County and Rider University and its men's basketball program have been at the forefront of doing its part to ensure these critical needs are met and that as many kids as possible have access to the basic supplies for a proper education.

This past week, the men's basketball team collected supplies and donated backpacks filled with the afore mentioned pens, pencils, glue sticks, erasers, scissors and even threw in a Rider tee-shirt, making a donation to Larry Richardson and the 'It's Academic Sports Mentorship Program' in Trenton, New Jersey.

The mentorship program is designed for elementary and middle school students.

"Our goal was to be able to assist children who otherwise could not afford all the things that they need to get the school year off to a good start," said head coach Tommy Dempsey.  "It is important for our basketball program and for Rider University to offer assistance in our community when we have an opportunity."

The Rider University bookstore assisted the basketball team with a contribution of folders and Bronc key chains.

Dempsey recalled putting his children on the school bus earlier in the week and the pride he felt as a parent that all of their school supplies were in order and that they were ready to face the upcoming year.

"I'm a father of four and when I dropped off my children at the bus stop Tuesday they were set to go and had all the necessary supplies that they needed and that is a good feeling as a parent," Dempsey said.  "You can't assume that everyone will be in that situation so that is why we thought this might be a good opportunity to help some families in need."

Throughout the wins and losses on the court, it is not lost on Dempsey that as a coach, he is an educator first.

"There are so many people and mentors in our community who do great work to support our youth," Dempsey said.  "Any time we have a chance to support one of these programs especially when the theme is about the education of our children it is important that we do so."

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