Back to school bash at Uniondale Park

Peace Valley Haven, Inc., and Long Island Verified hosted a back to school giveaway last Sunday, the final weekend before the start of school. Kids and families gathered to enjoy the festivities and collect free school supplies.

The organizations came together at Uniondale Park on Sept. 1 to hand out backpacks to kids from the community. The turnout was even bigger than anticipated based on the nearly 400 backpacks they planned on handing out according to the number people who signed up in advance.

“The event went very well, actually better than expected,” Kimberly Phillips, assistant director of Peace Valley Haven, said. “A lot of families showed up, and we were able to supply backpacks in addition to what we had counted.”

Kids were able to get free haircuts, braiding services, and face painting throughout the afternoon, and a barbecue of hamburgers and hot dogs was provided for free as well. Games were set up across the park, including ping-pong, basketball, and other sports games. Groups of kids even played gaga ball throughout the afternoon, an elimination ball game similar to dodge ball.

Families expressed their appreciation to Phillips for having their needs met by the organizations.

“We’re grateful that we had the opportunity to be able to be a blessing to the community,” she said.

Peace Valley Haven is a nonprofit organization in Uniondale that offers shelter, clothing, and food, and they also have a mobile food pantry that delivers food throughout the neighborhood. To learn more about what they provide and how to get food from the mobile food pantry, call (516) 223-2355.