Sep. 6, 2023 By Carlotta Mohamed
As the summer comes to a close and families prepare for the new school year, Councilwoman Lynn Schulman hosted a successful back-to-school backpack giveaway event in Forest Hills on Aug. 30.
The event was a joint effort involving several esteemed partners, including District Attorney Melinda Katz, Queens Center Mall, the NYC Sheriff’s Office and the Queens Public Library.
Recognizing the challenges that many families face in preparing their children for school, the event distributed over 150 backpacks filled with essential school supplies. The backpack giveaway was met with enthusiasm and appreciation from families who attended. This initiative aimed not only to alleviate the financial burden on parents but also to empower students with the tools they need for a successful academic journey.
City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman hosts a back-to-school backpack giveaway at the Queens Public Library in Forest Hills on Aug. 30.(Photo by Jonathan Boucher)
Schulman expressed her gratitude for the overwhelming support from local partners and the community at large.
“Children only have one shot at a good education and every child deserves the opportunity to excel in their studies. By coming together and providing these backpacks and supplies, we are investing in the future of our youth,” Schulman said. “I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to District Attorney Melinda Katz, Queens Center Mall, the NYC Sheriff’s Office and the Queens Public Library for their invaluable contributions to this initiative.”
City Councilwoman Lynn Schulman hosts a back-to-school backpack giveaway at the Queens Public Library in Forest Hills on Aug. 30. (Photo by Jonathan Boucher)
Katz said she was proud to partner with Schulman on a backpack giveaway, ensuring students are prepared for a productive school year.
“Some 150 kids now have the tools they need for academic success. I thank her for hosting this event and look forward to our future collaboration on behalf of Queens residents,” Katz said.
A spokesperson for Queens Center Mall, which is known for its commitment to the local community, echoed these sentiments.
“Queens Center Mall is proud to continue our partnership with our local elected officials like Council Member Lynn Schulman to provide hundreds of backpacks fully packed with supplies to help support the community as they prepare for back to school” the representative said.
On Wednesday, Sept. 6, from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Schulman will host a second Back-to-School Backpack giveaway event in Richmond Hill at the Boys & Girls Club of Metro Queens at 110-04 Atlantic Ave.
Schulman is hosting the event in partnership with Assemblywoman Jenifer Rajkumar, members of Community Board 9, the NYC Sheriff’s Office, the Lions Club of Richmond Hill/South Ozone Park, Queens Center Mall, MetroPlus Health, Riverfund and Khalsa Community Patrol.