Parents and kids were lined up down the block Saturday morning at Martin ‘Bunky’ Reid Park in New Cassel for the Road to Success Backpack Giveaway. It was first come first serve at the event which ran from noon to 3 p.m. The event was sponsored by County and Town officials and the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association.
“It is a community event that starts out the school year and celebrates young people embarking on a brand new school year,” said Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe. “It is also an opportunity for law enforcement and the community to strengthen their bond with each other.”
President of the Nassau County PBA James Carver said that the event is a great way to start off the school year but is also about the community seeing police officers in a different role.
“We want to strengthen the relationship with the community particularly here in the Westbury area,” said Carver. “We want to give a good image of police officers, show people that we are approachable, that we’re your friends.”
Nearly 1,000 backpacks were given away as well as personalized name tags for the backpacks. Parents and kids were treated to live music by a DJ, and free hot dogs and bottled water were served at the event. The PBA also gave kids tips and instructions on bicycle safety.
Westbury resident Kordei McLean was one of the first on line at the event along with her three children, Amaya, Antoine and Ayana.
“I think this is an absolutely great thing for the community,” said McLean. “Backpacks and school supplies cost a lot so this really helps me out.”
Her daughter, Amaya, who is going into fifth grade, echoed her mother’s sentiments by saying she thought the event was a great thing and that it is nice to see the community helping kids out.
![IMG_3231[1]](https://www.longislandpress.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/IMG_32311-1024x768-1.jpg)
“If my mom had to buy backpacks and other school stuff at Walmart it would be very expensive,” she said.
Jezmeah Desire came to the Backpack Giveaway with her two nieces, Daijana and Kayla. Daijana will be attending Westbury High School in September and Kayla will be entering fouth grade at Drexel Avenue School.
“I think that it is really good that they’re helping the community,” said Jezmeah. “The town and the PBA always do great events to help people out, whether it’s for jobs, schools or for the kids.”
District Councilwoman, Viviana Russell said that the event is a great collaboration between Law Enforcement and Town and community officials.
“It is a way for everybody to give back and get these kids prepared for a successful school year,” said Russell.
