Dozens of families gathered at the Lakeview Public Library on Saturday for the sixth annual Back-to-School Giveaway, where students received free supplies and community resources ahead of the upcoming school year.
Organized through a partnership led by the Lakeview branch of the NAACP, the event provided backpacks, school supplies, books and educational resources donated by organizations, businesses and community supporters.
“We just love giving back to the community, this is supposed to be a hand up, not a handout,” Sheila Duke, first vice president of the Lakeview branch of the NAACP and president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc., Nassau Alumnae Chapter, said. “We definitely want the community to know that we’re here to support our young people in their educational pursuits, and it gives us great joy to do this every year.”
The afternoon also featured refreshments and music from a DJ, creating a family-friendly atmosphere as children picked out supplies and volunteers connected parents with local resources.
The annual event is intended to provide families with practical help while introducing them to group and services available across Nassau County.
Local churches, food pantries, civic organizations and nonprofit groups work together to identify families who may benefit from the program. Organizers said the goal extends to building partnerships that serve residents throughout the year.
Members of Jack and Jill of America, Nassau County Chapter, donated, packed and distributed school supplies. Young members also volunteered with their parents, helping prepare backpacks and give items to other students.
“Our goal is to set every child up for success,” Andrea Anderson, chapter president of Jack and Jill of America, Nassau County Chapter, said. “It all goes with our mission too, which is to help raise future African American leaders, and the foundation for that is education, and you need the tools in order to do so.”
Representatives from Northwell Health Long Island Jewish Valley Stream provided health and hygiene information. Families received wellness resources and items such as hand sanitizer and bandages as part of the hospital’s community outreach efforts.
“We want people to know that Long Island Jewish Valley Stream is here, so we work to continue to connect with community partners to advance the work that we’re doing in our community and local hospitals,” the Rev. Jessica Mitchem, associate chaplain, said.
Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority Inc., Beta Psi Sigma Chapter, also participated through its Operation Big Book Bag initiative, which supplies students in Nassau and Suffolk counties with books and school materials.
“We try to partner with other organizations and other sororities to provide books, supplies, school supplies to schools in Nassau and Suffolk County,” Cheryl Rhames, grammaticus of the Beta Beta Psi Sigma Chapter, said.
Organizers hope to expand its reach and remain a dependable resource for Nassau County families.
