Phillips Avenue 2023 School Supply Donation
Riverhead CAP once again coordinated the 2023 school supply donation for students at Phillips Avenue Elementary School. This year, the donation was increased to $5,000. CAP President Brian Stark and Ethan Greenidge partnered to purchase much needed school supplies for every student at Phillips. According to Stark, it was Greenidge’s idea to increase the donation again this year. The original donation began with $2,000 in 2021 and has increased every year since.
Greenidge is a Riverhead Class of 2015 graduate and an offensive lineman for the Atlanta Falcons. He attended Phillips Avenue School as a child, and credits his parents and his faith for giving him this opportunity to support the school and community that supported him.
An Opportunity to Grow
“I am grateful to give these students an opportunity to grow, with a little less stress so they can just focus on school,” said Greenidge. “I remember being a kid growing up. It wasn’t always easy and having one less thing to worry about always helps out. I try to do this every year and give what I can. I remember when I first got to the NFL, I promised God that I’ll be his church down on earth, and that’s the backbone of what I’m doing.”
Brian Stark agreed. “It’s a nice feeling to help the Phillips Ave. students with needed school supplies,” he said. “We all know the importance of coming to school ready to work and learn. Thanks to this group effort with Ethan, we can have a more focused impact for our kids at Phillips.”
Principal Dr. Stephen Hudson said that the Phillips Avenue students and community were filled with gratitude. “Thank you Brian Stark and Ethan Greenidge for your amazing and generous donation. Your $5,000 donation provided many school supplies for every student at Phillips Ave.”
Paying it Forward
Ethan’s father Robin Greenidge, was once again on hand for the donation. In a joint statement, he and his wife Xann said, “Phillips Ave. and the Flanders community are very important to our family! Although Ethan lives in another state, his heart is still for helping the children in our town. We are honored to help in any way we can, and love partnering with Riverhead CAP and Brian Stark.”
Riverhead CAP has provided prevention and counseling services at Phillips Avenue Elementary School since 1990. CAP has a social worker placed at Phillips Avenue school three days a week.
