With the first day of school approaching, Brooklyn is buzzing with community-led backpack drives aimed at giving students the supplies they need to start the year prepared. Local organizations are working to ensure children head into the classroom prepared and ready to learn.
The New York Restoration Project (NYRP) will host three “Back-to-School Backpack Bonanza” events this month, bringing supplies and celebrations to neighborhoods in need.
The first is scheduled for Aug. 22 at the Essex Street Community Garden from noon to 3 p.m. The second will be held Aug. 23 from 5 to 7 p.m. at McLeod’s Community Garden in Brownsville. The final event is set for Aug. 29 at the Bed-Stuy Community Garden from 5 to 9 p.m.
All events will offer free backpacks and school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. Children must be present to receive them.
The drives aim to reach underserved populations, said Mike Horowitz, the project’s public programming coordinator. “If you look at any supply lists that schools put out, when you add up the cost of all the items, it’s a lot,” he said.
He said the organization’s gardens help support students in these communities and ensure “teachers and administrators can do their best work.”
NYRP’s efforts are part of a broader wave of back-to-school giveaways taking place in Brooklyn this month. Here’s where families can find free backpacks, school supplies and community celebrations:
Aug. 17 — Riseboro Bookbag Giveaway
RiseBoro will host a bookbag giveaway on Aug. 17 from 12 p.m. to 4 pm. at Irving Square Park, at the corner of Knickerbocker and Weirfield streets.
Aug. 19 — Senator Persaud’s Free Family Fun Day in Canarsie
State Sen. Roxanne J. Persaud will host a Back-to-School Free Funday in Canarsie Park (East 88th Street entrance) on Aug. 19 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. for children aged four to 14.
Aug. 22 — NIA’s P.S. 179 Giveaway in Kensington
NIA Community Services Network will host a backpack giveaway with Council Member Shahana Hanif on Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at P.S. 179 Kensington. One backpack per child; child must attend.
Aug. 22 — Council Member Hudson’s Fair and Field Day
Also on Aug. 22, Council Member Crystal Hudson presents a Back to School Fair and Field Day at Jackie Robinson Playground (at Montgomery Street and Zenita Thompson Place), from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., offering school supplies, resource fairs and games.
Aug. 22: NYRP Giveaway at Essex Street Community Garden
Aug. 23: NYRP Giveaway at McLeod’s Community Garden in Brownsville
Aug. 23: Pentecostal Church of God’s Flatbush Giveaway
The Pentecostal Church of God hosts its fourth annual Back-to-School Supply Giveaway on Aug. 23, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., providing free backpacks and school supplies. Students must be present to collect supplies, and children under 12 must be accompanied.
Aug. 23: Bay Ridge Cares Backpack Give-Away
Bay Ridge Cares will distribute 500 backpacks with school supplies for children K-5 on Aug. 23 at 10 a.m., located at the office of Council Member Justin Brannan.
Aug. 23: Family Fun Day at Surf Playground
NIA will host a Family Fun Day in Coney Island in partnership with Brannan on Aug. 23 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Aug. 25: Gerritsen Beach Library Giveaway
The Brooklyn Public Library’s Gerritsen Beach branch will host a backpack giveaway sponsored by Council Member Mercedes Narcisse on Aug. 25 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Aug. 29 — NYRP Giveaway at Bed-Stuy Community Garden
Editor’s note: This list is being updated daily. Know of another Brooklyn backpack or school supply drive? Email oseaman@schnepsmedia.com.
