Westbury resident, Jean Gervais was one of the first in line at the ‘Road To Success’ backpack giveaway hosted by the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) at Martin “Bunky” Reid Park on Saturday, Aug. 29. He was with his three children Gavin, Matthew and Michelle, who are set to attend Park Avenue Elementary School.
“My children are in dire need of school supplies and the backpacks contained everything they need to get started,” said Gervais. “They will have their notebooks, pens, pencils and papers ready for school. I am very thankful for the people who set up this event for the kids.”
Those people included PBA President James Carver, Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe, North Hempstead Supervisor Judi Bosworth and Town Councilwoman Viviana Russell as well as members of the Nassau County Police Department Foundation.
“This year we have packed over a 1,000 backpacks with supplies ready for distribution to the kids,” said Bynoe. “We want to make sure that each and every child has all the resources necessary to excel in school.”
She said that the event is a partnership of community members, law enforcement and government officials to create an environment of success for school aged children.
“The Nassau County PBA has partnered with organizations such as the Superior Officers Association and Police Alliance Organization and we have added new members this year including the HOT 97 radio station and Cannondale (Bicycle Corporation) for the event,” she said.
Russell said that the ‘Road To Success’ backpack giveaway is a great event and a great partnership with the PBA.
“This whole event was initiated on Thursday night at the “Yes We Can” Center where we announced the hosting of the free backpack giveaway,” said Russell. “Another purpose of the event was to show the community that police officers are here to protect them and are their friends.”
Free backpack giveaways were not the only highlight of the event which ran from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. The kids, ages 5-15, were treated to live music from Hot 97 DJs, face painting and bike safety helmets provided by the Cannondale Corporation.
A special surprise came halfway through the event when a Nassau County police helicopter came flying in and landed on the main lawn of
the park. The kids were beyond thrilled as they dashed over, dragging their parents to get an up close look at the chopper.
“It is so cool,” said 9-year-old Micheal Jenkins, who will be attending Drexel Avenue in the fall. “I heard it flying above me but didn’t think it would actually land near me. I’m amazed.”
Carver said that it was important kids get off on the right foot for the new school year.
“We want to make sure that every kid has what they need to succeed in school,” said Carver. “That is why this is such an important day for the community right before the start of the new school year.”
