Backpack Giveaways in New York City

Introduction to Back to School Season

New York City public school students will head back to class on Thursday, Sept. 4. For many families across the five boroughs, that means stocking up on a fresh batch of school supplies—the costs of which can add up. According to a 2022 survey conducted by Junior Achievement USA, a nonprofit that advocates for the economic advancement of young people, 33 percent of the teens it surveyed across the country expressed insecurity over the cost of school supplies. This can lead to a stressful period as families try to get everything that is required on their child’s school supply list, in addition to uniforms, new clothes, sneakers, shoes and more.

Back to School Giveaways and Events

Luckily, many New York City elected officials and local organizations host giveaways to help ease some of that burden. “Unfortunately a lot of households already have limited resources and now with [all these] cuts it’s going to be a lot harder for people,” said Lance Sagesse, a leader with the Pentecostal Church of God in Flatbush, Brooklyn, which is organizing one such event on Aug. 23, referring to federal cuts to Medicaid, food stamps and other safety net programs. “So whatever we can do to relieve the burden from parents as well as students, that’s going to be our goal.”

Queens City Council District 22 Events

For residents in Queens City Council District 22: City Councilmember Tiffany Cabán will host the following backpack distribution events, co-hosted by Congressmember Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, State Senator Kristen Gonzalez, Assembly Member Jessica González-Rojas, Assemblymember Zohran Mamdani, Big Reuse, the Hispanic Federation, the NYC District Council of Carpenters, and other partners. Backpacks will be given out on a first-come, first-serve basis, one per child (the child must be present):

• Wednesday, Aug. 20: 4 to 6 p.m. Gorman Playground, 25th Avenue between 84th & 85th Streets in Queens
• Saturday, Aug. 23: 1 to 4 p.m. at NYCHA’s Astoria Houses, 4-05 Astoria Blvd., Queens

New York Restoration Project Events

New York Restoration Project will hold several backpack and school supply giveaways throughout the month of August at NYRP gardens. Learn more and register at nyrp.org/backpacks:

• Friday, Aug. 22: Essex Street Community Garden (Cypress Hills, Brooklyn) featuring a cooking demo with chef Genny Mack
• Saturday, Aug. 23: McLeod’s Community Garden (Brownsville, Brooklyn) & Los Amigos Community Garden (East Harlem, Manhattan)
• Friday, Aug. 29: Bed-Stuy Community Garden (Bed-Stuy, Brooklyn) in partnership with Councilmember Chi Ossé
• Saturday, Aug, 30: Target Bronx Community Garden (Highbridge, The Bronx) featuring a cooking demo with chef Brandy Cochrane & Creston Avenue Playground (Fordham, The Bronx)
• Saturday, Aug. 30: Creston Avenue Playground (Fordham, The Bronx)
• Sunday, Aug. 31: Eastchester Road Community Garden (Eastchester, The Bronx) in partnership with Councilmember Kevin C. Riley

NYC Health and Hospitals Events

NYC Health and Hospitals:

• Jacobi Back To School Health Fest: Friday, Aug. 22, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 1400 Pelham Parkway South, Bronx, NY 10461, Pedestrian Mall
• Elmhurst Summer Yoga: Friday, Aug. 22, 12 to 1 p.m. at 79-01 Broadway, 4th Floor Room D4-17A, Elmhurst, NY 11373
• Lincoln back to school health fest: Wednesday, Aug. 27 (Rain Date: Thursday, Aug. 28), 11a.m. to 2 p.m. at NYC Health + Hospitals/Lincoln, 234 E. 149th St, Bronx, NY 14051, Great Lawn
• NYC Health and Hospitals North Central Bronx Back to school health fest: Friday, Aug. 29, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 3424 Kossuth Ave., Bronx, NY 10467 (Kossuth Avenue between 208th and 210th streets)
• NYC Health and Hospitals Elmhurst Mental Health and Wellness Block Party: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., 41st Avenue and 80th Street, Elmhurst, Queens

Queens Library Events

Queens Library events:

• Thursday, Aug 21, 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the East Elmhurst Library, 95-06 Astoria Boulevard, East Elmhurst, NY 11369.
• Tuesday, Aug. 26, 12 to 3 p.m. at the Elmhurst Library, 86-07 Broadway, Elmhurst, NY 11373.
• Thursday, Aug. 28, 3 to 4:30 p.m. at the South Hollis Library, 204-01 Hollis Avenue, South Hollis, NY 11412.

Other Events

• Pentecostal Church of God will be hosting a back to school giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 23 between 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 2310 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, NY 11226
• Backpack Giveaway presented by New York City Councilmember Robert F. Holden: Wednesday, Aug, 20, 3 to 5 p.m. (while supplies last) at 58-38 69th St., Maspeth, NY 11378.
• Gateway Center Back To School Fest: Saturday, Aug. 23, 1 to -3:30 p.m. at Gateway Center Mall located at 579 Gateway Drive, Brooklyn, NY 11239.
• State Sen. Nathalia Fernandez Backpack Giveaway: Saturday, Aug. 23, 12 to 4 p.m. at 3025 Cross Bronx N. Service Rd., Bronx, NY 10465.
• EmblemHealth and Neighborhood Care’s special back-to-school event and giveaway: Aug. 28, 12 p.m. to 2 p.m. at 88-31 55th Avenue, Elmhurst, NY 11373
• Gerritsen Beach Library: Aug. 28 between 4 to 7 p.m. at 2808 Gerritsen Ave., Brooklyn, NY 11229.
• Back to School Homecoming 2025: Saturday, Sept. 6, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at PS/ MS 206 Schoolyard, 508 East 120th St., New York, NY 10035.
• University Settlement and Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine’s backpack giveaway: Sept. 7, 1 to 3 p.m,184 Eldridge St., New York, NY
• Midwood Block Association: Families are invited to enjoy a fun-filled day with free school supplies for students, music, food, games, raffles, and more: Sept. 13, 2 to 5 p.m., located at 200 Midwood St., Brooklyn, NY 11225.

Conclusion

The back to school season can be a stressful and expensive time for many families in New York City. However, with the help of local organizations and elected officials, many families can receive the support they need to prepare their children for the upcoming school year. By attending one of the many backpack and school supply giveaways happening across the city, families can alleviate some of the financial burden and ensure their children have the necessary tools to succeed in school.

FAQs

Q: When do New York City public schools start?
A: New York City public schools start on Thursday, Sept. 4.
Q: What is the purpose of the back to school giveaways?
A: The purpose of the back to school giveaways is to help alleviate the financial burden of purchasing school supplies for families in need.
Q: Who is hosting the back to school giveaways?
A: The back to school giveaways are being hosted by various local organizations and elected officials, including City Councilmembers, State Senators, and non-profit organizations.
Q: What types of items are being given away at the events?
A: The events are giving away backpacks, school supplies, and other essential items for the upcoming school year.
Q: Are the events open to everyone?
A: Most events are open to the public, but some may have specific requirements, such as residency in a particular district or the presence of a child.
Q: How can I find out more information about the events?
A: You can find more information about the events by visiting the websites of the hosting organizations or by contacting them directly.