Organizations are collecting and distributing backpacks and other school supplies, with the first day of school in New York City less than a month away.
Local public schools reopen on Sept. 5, and more than 119,000 New York City students — or 1 in 9 — are homeless. That’s a record number, driven in part by the arrival of tens of thousands of migrant families. A quarter of New York City children live in poverty.
“In our shelters, we’re seeing an increased need for school supplies each year, especially with the rise in inflation and the high cost of living in the city,” said Diana Santos, executive vice president at Win, which serves homeless women and children.
Santos said people who want to donate school supplies should keep a few tips in mind.
“Backpack donations should be durable,” she said. “If a backpack breaks, they might not have the resources to replace it.” She added that gift cards are also helpful, as families can use them to buy clothes or uniforms.
Daisy Mendoza, a director at the social services organization Hudson Guild in Chelsea, said scientific calculators and new laptops are particularly valuable for families who need them.
Here’s a rundown of local organizations accepting back-to-school donations and hosting giveaways this month.
Online and Citywide
Bronx
WHEDco – 1309 Louis Nine Blvd.
Accepting donations of backpacks and school supplies, including notebooks, pencils, folders and pens. It will host a giveaway on Aug. 31 from noon to 5 p.m.
Queens
Jacob A. Riis Neighborhood Settlement – 10-25 41st Ave.
Accepting backpacks, pens, pencils, folders, notebooks, scissors, glue sticks, paper, hand sanitizers, paperclips, hole punches, staples, hand soaps, rulers, markers, crayons, highlighters and water bottles. Donations can also be made through its Amazon wish list.
Manhattan
Hudson Guild – 441 West 26th St.
Accepting backpacks, crayons, washable markers, construction paper, safety scissors, glue sticks, pencils and pens, highlighters, index cards, calculator, pencil cases, notebooks, loose leaf paper and folders. It will host a giveaway on Aug. 24 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Union Settlement – 237 East 104th St.
Collecting school supplies and backpacks, with a goal to give away 1,500 bags. Also accepting monetary donations through its website. Giveaway on Aug. 28 around 4 p.m.
Greenwich House Youth Services – 27 Barrow St., fifth floor
Collecting flash drives, headsets, book bags, pencils, crayons, notebooks, rulers, folders, pencil cases, loose leaf paper, binders, erasers, pencil sharpeners, and calculators.
Brooklyn
Camp Friendship – 339 Eighth St.
Collecting through Aug. 23 backpacks, pencils, pens, erasers, folders, sharpeners, notebooks, binders, paper, rulers, markers, crayons, scissors and glue sticks. Donations can also be made online at Givelively and Amazon.
Giveaway Events
Bronx
- St. Helena’s Church – 1315 Olmstead Ave.
When: Aug. 13, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Backpacks with supplies for all ages
- City Council District 18 Office – 778 Castle Hill Ave.
When: Aug. 14, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
What: Backpacks with supplies for all ages
- E Fordham Road and Hoffman Street
When: Aug. 16, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What: Backpacks, school supplies, Health Bucks, food
- St. James Park at 2550 Jerome Ave.
When: Aug. 18, 3 p.m.
What: Backpacks and school supplies
- 1 Fordham Plaza
When: Aug. 23, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
What: Backpacks and school supplies
- 475 Swinton Ave.
When: Aug. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Backpacks and food
- Pelham Parkway Houses – Bronxwood and Waring avenues
When: Aug. 24, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Backpacks
- Northeast Bronx YMCA – 1250 East 229th St.
When: Aug. 24, noon to 3 p.m.
Backpacks and school supplies
- 3040 East Tremont Ave.
When: Aug. 27, 4 p.m. to 7 p.m.
Backpacks and school supply giveaway and back-to-school haircuts
- 940 East Gun Hill Rd.
When: Aug. 29, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
What: Backpacks and school supplies
Manhattan
- 106th Street between Lexington and Third avenues
When: Aug. 15, noon to 4 p.m.
What: Book bags
Queens
- Gorman Playground – 25th Avenue between 84th and 85th streets
When: Aug. 22, 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.
What: Backpacks and school supplies
- Maspeth – 58-38 69th St.
When: Aug. 26, 3:30 p.m.
What: School supplies
- Ozone Park – 93-06 101st Ave.
When: Aug. 28, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.
What: Backpacks, folders, and other school supplies
- Astoria Houses – 4-05 Astoria Blvd.
When: Aug. 29, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
What: Backpacks and school supplies
- P.S. 149 – 93-11 34th Ave.
When: Aug. 29, 5 p.m. to 7 p.m.
What: Backpacks, lunch bags, school supplies, and school-related resources for parents