NB C.A.R.E.S. in conjunction with the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation and the Township of North Bergen once again held its annual back-to-school drive.
School supplies were distributed to nearly 600 children on September. 1. Social distancing and masks were required to participate.
This year the distribution was more critical than ever, with people out of work due to the pandemic and many experiencing financial problems.
Pens, pencils-and hand sanitizer
Mayor Nicholas Sacco, Parks Commissioners Hugo Cabrera, and Commissioner of Public Safety Allen Pascual were on hand to oversee the event, greet residents, and ensure that things ran smoothly.
The giveaway is held each year shortly before school starts. Residents are invited to the Recreation Center to pick up whatever they need for the school year.
Sacco said that “although the school year begins virtually, it’s imperative to make sure the students have what they need for a successful school year.”
Kids choose their own backpacks from among hundreds of options, and fill them with pens, pencils, markers, folders, notebooks, glue, erasers, sharpeners, scissors, and more.
This year the options also included hand sanitizer, in colorful cartoon bottles.
“NB C.A.R.E.S. gave out almost 600 backpacks and school supplies to North Bergen residents,” Sacco said. “Every year we expand our giveaways based on the needs of the community, and this year was our largest one yet. Thank you to all of the volunteers who help make this possible!”
The distribution was organized by NB C.A.R.E.S. Coordinator Aimee Focaraccio with the help of the North Bergen Recreation Department and numerous volunteers.
Items and funding were provided by Eye Contact Vision Center, Dollar Tree, the Frank A. Pinto Foundation, and the Nicholas J. Sacco Foundation.
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