Los Angeles/August 1, 2011 – Comerica Bank is hosting its Second Annual School Supplies Drive to benefit homeless students in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD). The school district estimates that there are nearly 13,500 children who lack a fixed, regular and adequate residence within its school boundaries (LAUSD Homeless Statistics, 2010).

Last year, Comerica collected school supplies at all of its banking centers located throughout the Los Angeles basin. In total, more than 25,000 items, including new backpacks, pencils, pens and soap, all given by bank customers and employees, were donated to LAUSD in time for the new school year.

“This year, our goal is to collect even more items – particularly backpacks, which are most needed by the students,” said Sagra Cabrera, Comerica Bank senior vice president and regional manager of retail operations for Greater Los Angeles. “Children face several difficulties in life – not having the right equipment and school supplies should not be one of those concerns. It is my hope that this school supplies drive will help lessen that burden and allow them to concentrate on learning.”

The school district’s Homeless Assistance Program (HAP) works with families to ensure their children can continue their education despite not having a home. HAP was designed to provide assistance to homeless students and their families in compliance with the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, an integral part of No Child Left Behind.

“Children living in unstable or unpredictable environments face constant change and very little structure. They arrive at school lacking the basic necessities of clothing, school supplies, and backpacks,” said Melissa Schoonmaker, LAUSD Pupil Services and Attendance Coordinator. “Comerica’s diligent effort to provide items for our homeless students allows out students to be well-equipped to begin the school year.”

Comerica’s 31 banking centers throughout the Los Angeles region will be collecting backpacks, school supplies and personal hygiene items until September 21, 2011.

Comerica Banking Centers participating in the drive include:
● Beverly Hills 9696 Santa Monica Blvd. Beverly Hills 90212
● Brand & Milford 525 N. Brand Ave. Glendale 91203
● Brentwood 12001 W. San Vicente Blvd. Los Angeles 90049
● Burbank 801 N. San Fernando Blvd., Suite 101 Burbank 91502
● Century City 2000 Avenue Of The Stars, Suite 110 Los Angeles 90067
● Cerritos 11355 South St. Cerritos 90703
● Chino Hills 13920 City Center Dr., Suite 4000 Chino Hills 91709
● City Of Industry 13200 Crossroads Parkway North, Suite 100 City Of Industry 91746
● East Long Beach 1650 Ximeno Ave. Long Beach 90804
● El Segundo 2321 Rosecrans Ave., Suite 1225 El Segundo 90245
● Hollywood 6255 W. Sunset Blvd., Suite 100 Los Angeles 90028
● Long Beach 301 E. Ocean Blvd., Suite 102 Long Beach 90802
● Los Angeles - Crenshaw 3825 Crenshaw Blvd., Suite 101 Los Angeles 90008
● Los Angeles - Downtown 601 South Figueroa St. Los Angeles 90017
● Los Angeles - Koreatown 635 S. Hobart Blvd. Los Angeles 90005
● Marina Del Rey 4040 Lincoln Blvd. Marina Del Rey 90292
● Marketplace - Long Beach 6451 E. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 17 Long Beach 90803
● Ontario 800 N. Haven Ave., Suite 110 Ontario 91764
● Pasadena 35 N. Lake Ave., Suite 120 Pasadena 91101
● Rancho Cucamonga 12035 Foothill Blvd. Rancho Cucamonga 91730
● Redondo Beach 1212 S. Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 102 Redondo Beach 90277
● Santa Monica 1433 5th St. Santa Monica 90401
● Sherman Oaks 15303 Ventura Blvd., Lower Plaza Sherman Oaks 91403
● South Pasadena 824 Fair Oaks Ave. South Pasadena 91030
● Studio City 12050 Ventura Blvd., Suite A105 Studio City 91604
● Sunset 9200 Sunset Blvd., Suite 150 West Hollywood 90038
● Torrance Main 21153 Hawthorne Blvd. Torrance 90503
● Torrance Towne Center 2795 Pacific Coast Highway Torrance 90505
● Westlake Village 2915 Townsgate Rd. Thousand Oaks 91361
● Westwood 10900 Wilshire Blvd. Los Angeles 90024
● Woodland Hills 5700 Canoga Ave., Building G - Suite 100 Woodland Hills 91367

About Comerica Bank
Comerica Bank, founded 162 years ago, is a subsidiary of Comerica Inc., based in Dallas. Comerica focuses on relationships, and helping people and businesses be successful. Comerica reported total assets of $54.1 billion at June 30, 2011. Comerica Bank has confidence in the future of Los Angeles County, where it has more than doubled its number of banking centers in five years to 31 locations. Comerica Bank’s Middle Market Group, headquartered in downtown Los Angeles, serves manufacturers, exporters, distributors and wholesalers, especially those that are privately owned and/or owner-managed. The Entertainment Group, based in Century City, provides financing and banking services for the independent film industry. The bank’s national title and escrow business is based in El Segundo. Wealth Management, Treasury Management, Commercial Real Estate and Small Business Banking groups serve customers throughout Los Angeles.


Media Contact:
Nancy Tovar Huxen
Office: 310-297-2848
Cell: 310-920-6126
E-mail: ntovarhuxen@comerica.com