The old adage “it takes a village to raise a child” proved itself true recently, as several elected officials, community organizations and local law enforcement banded together to donate backpacks filled with school supplies to area children.
Now in its third year, the “Road to Success” Backpack Giveaway is a partnership between the Town of North Hempstead, Nassau County, the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (PBA), Superior Officers Association and Nassau County Detectives Association. Members from several groups including the Islamic Center of Long Island, NAACP, Pi Pi Omega and Westbury School District Board of Education, also donated time and resources to help pack the bags prior to the event.
The back to school celebration held at Martin “Bunky” Reid Park on Aug. 27 not only included the giving away of backpacks filled with school supplies such as notebooks, crayons and pens, but refreshments, bike safety training and soccer activities—all at no charge.
“This event was birthed out of an opportunity for the community and law enforcement to celebrate the gifts and talents of our young people, and make sure they had all the resources necessary when they start the school year,” said Nassau County Legislator Siela Bynoe, who co-hosted the event.
The Road to Success event not only provided students with essential supplies, but aimed to strengthen the relationship between the community and police department.
“With all the tragedies happening across the United States, we see it play out in the media that there are strained relationships between police departments and the community,” said Bynoe. “We think it’s important to take every opportunity to make sure the police and community are unified because we’re stronger together.”
“This is building a stronger bond within the community,” said Nassau County PBA president James Carver. “We want to bridge a gap. We’re not always here to arrest somebody or do something that’s perceived as not welcoming. We’re here to help.”
Gloria Dingwall, principal of Park Avenue school, said the backpack giveaway was very helpful for her students.
“All the children want something new [but] all the families cannot afford it,” Dingwall said. “This shows them the community cares about them and the community serves as a role model, letting children know when they become an adult, they have a responsibility to give back to the next generation.”
