Valley donates laptops to school program

Valley National Bank has donated 10 laptop computers for Prospect Park Elementary School’s Before-and-After School Care program, it announced recently.

The Wayne-based bank, which has more than 230 branches in New Jersey, New York and beyond, said the donation was part of its new “Pop-Up Moments” program. The program is designed to surprise individuals and groups that make a difference in their community with a celebratory event.

“Providing access to technology is key to improving education and equipping students with the skills and resources they need to thrive in today’s digital society,” Robert Bardusch, Valley’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, said in a prepared statement.

The Prospect Park school’s program is a joint venture between the school district and the Wayne Unit of the Boys & Girls Club of Northwest New Jersey. The computers will support staff curriculum needs.

“When we spoke to the Wayne Boys & Girls Club, they expressed a need to address their digital resources,” Bardusch said. “We feel that, by donating these computers, we can help make a meaningful difference in the lives of these students.”

Valley National Bank is a unit of holding company Valley National Bancorp. The Boys & Girls Club of Northwest New Jersey serves more than 5,200 youth annually through clubs in Wayne and Pequannock.