New school year 2024: Valley Stream and Elmont community leaders give 1,000 backpacks away

Assemblywoman Michaelle Solages partnered with local businesses and community groups to pack and distribute 1,000 free backpacks filled with supplies to students in the Valley Stream and Elmont region, just in time for the new school year.

The backpacks were handed out at events held across the district, including Green Acres’ Back to School Bash in Valley Stream, Community Outreach Day by REDZ INC. in Elmont, KNM African Natural Hair Braiding’s Pop-Up Shop in Elmont — each held on Aug. 17 — and Gateway Christian Center’s Community Day on Aug. 3 in Valley Stream. Holy Name of Mary RC Church in Valley Stream also held their backpack drive on Aug. 20 with the support of Solages.

Additionally, the New York Islanders have begun distributing backpacks to students in partnership with Solages’ community office. This collaboration with community groups and businesses provided students with essential supplies and enjoyable activities at these distribution events as they prepared for the upcoming school year.

“Supporting our students requires a community effort, and this initiative proves just that,” Solages said in a news release. “By coming together—government, local businesses, and community organizations—we’ve created something meaningful for our families as they prepare for the new school year. I’m incredibly grateful to our partners for their dedication and for making this vision a reality.”