See what the Glen Cove police and a county legislator did at Glen Cove High School

The first day of school can mean a lot of different things to students. There will be the return of homework and the reuniting with old friends.

But what some take for granted — buying a backpack and school supplies for children — is too expensive for some families to provide.

To help, the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association, Glen Cove Police Benevolent Association and Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton handed out free backpacks and school supplies at Glen Cove High School on Aug. 22 to ensure children have a better start at the beginning of the school year.

The event, which has become a cherished community tradition, saw the distribution of over 500 backpacks, filled with essential school supplies.

Each backpack contained notebooks, pens, crayons, and other classroom necessities, ensuring that students are well equipped for the start of the school year.

This initiative began in Westbury in 2019 and gained significant traction during the pandemic as the need for such support became more pronounced.

The back-to-school season can be a time of great stress for parents, with a Life360 survey indicating that the cost of school supplies is the number one concern for 51 percent of parents.

Initiatives like the backpack giveaway at Glen Cove High School provide crucial support, alleviating some of this stress and helping students to begin the school year on the right foot.

“This event is one of my favorite community traditions, and it is such a joy to see so many smiles on the faces of our children after they select their new backpack,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. The numerous families who attended the event, many of whom expressed their gratitude for the much-needed assistance, echoed her sentiment.

Glen Cove  Superintendent Maria L. Rianna, highlighted how access to the right materials can make a significant difference in a student’s educational experience.

“School supplies are necessary for every student’s learning and growth, and Glen Cove Schools is grateful to our sponsors for making this event possible,” Rianna said. “When students have access to necessary materials, they are better prepared to engage with their studies, complete their work efficiently, and participate actively in their education.”