Students in Peekskill will gather once again at the Youth Bureau on Thursday, August 21, to participate in the 10th Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway. The initiative aims to support local children with academic supplies for the start of the school year. The event will run from 4 p.m to 6 p.m and is expected to draw a large crowd. This activity is part of the city’s annual calendar and is supported by volunteers.

Although the line often extends along a couple of streets around the building, local residents confirm that it usually moves quickly. Inside, backpacks are arranged by grade. The process is organized, and attendees follow the system to ensure a smooth flow. Students can select the color of their backpacks, based on availability.

In another area of the venue, tables are set up with books that children may take free of charge. The entire system operates efficiently. For parents, this day is particularly helpful. Ecuadorian mother Lorena Galarza, who has five school-aged children, noted that since only her husband works from home, the Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway is a valuable support for household finances.

“This will be the third year we attend. I learned about the event from a neighbor, and the children are truly happy when they receive a new backpack. It motivates them to study and work hard,” she said. Like her, hundreds of mothers line up on Main Street during the program and express their gratitude to the Youth Bureau for its commitment to local children.

In 2024, 1,200 backpacks and school supplies were distributed to students in the city. It is expected that this year’s quantity will be similar, depending on the contributions of community partners and sponsors who support the project through donations or volunteer work. No prior registration is required to participate in the event.

For more information about the 10th Annual Back to School Supply Giveaway, contact Tuesday McDonald, Executive Director of the Peekskill Youth Bureau, at [email protected], or visit the city’s digital channels.