NEW YORK—As summer break winds to an end, a new school season awaits 1.1 million New York City public school children. Unfortunately, some students will be hitting the classroom this fall without proper school supplies.
On Wednesday, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) offered its support to 2000 school children, donating backpacks filled with supplies to ensure students are prepared for a successful school year. This is the seventh year NAACP has given away school supplies.
“This program is absolutely critical for the future of our children,” Deputy Brooklyn Borough President Sandra Chapman said at the back-to-school rally in front of Brooklyn Borough Hall Wednesday.
The backpacks were filled with notebooks, pens, pencils, and glue. National pharmacy Walgreens donated much of the supplies, and local store employees helped to fill the backpacks.
“Education is the foundation of success and programs like these ensure all children have the tools they need to strive academically. Programs ensure they have tools they need to drive academically,” Chapman said.
Nine-year-old Samantha Evans, 9, from Bushwick, and 11-year-old Christopher Pitt of East New York, came on stage to receive their backpacks.
Christopher, who attends PS42 in Far Rockaway, said while he enjoyed his summer, reading and playing video games, he is excited for the new school year, especially now that he has supplies.
“Not everybody is prepared for school, and it is very hard for families out there to get supplies for their kids, and I would really like to thank everyone associated with this program,” Christopher said.
Kemesha Evans, Samantha’s mother, said although the program did not give supplies to all of her children, the donation did help ease the financial burden of the upcoming school year.
New York Public Schools Chancellor Dennis Walcott also attended the rally, saying, “This is not about the adults. This is about our children, our 1.1 million students, and how we can work in partnership with each other to make sure we raise the bar, raise our standards to make sure every child in NYC gets a high quality public education.”
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