Assemblyman Jessica González-Rojas (D-34) celebrated the return to classes with a great community initiative: the delivery of more than 2,500 backpacks with school supplies to Queens students.
Together with the assemblyman Catalina Cruz, the vice term of the state Senate Michael Gianaris, the president of County Donovan Richards, the councilors Shekar Krishnan and Tiffany Cabán, and the congressmen Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Nydia Velázquez, González-Rojas organized five days of donations in Astoria, Crown Elmhursst, Jackson Heights and Woodsis.
In addition to backpacks, events offered community resources and a safe space for families to gather. González-Rojas stressed the importance of these initiatives at a time when he said, many families face fear for ICE raids and the effects of budget cuts.
“These events not only deliver backpacks, they also create a cozy place for families to connect with their neighbors in difficult times,” said González-Rojas.
The collaboration extended beyond the schools: backpacks were donated at the Barbacoa party “Buffet Give Back” by Sleepy Da Barber in Jackson Heights, in the first Baptist Church of East Elmhursst, in the Moving Up Children’s Children’s Center in Corona and in the Community Education Council of the School District 30.
The delivery was possible thanks to the support of organizations such as The Hispanic Federation, Arab American Family Support Center, Metroplus Health, Queens Center Mall, the Carpenters Council of the New York district, among other union and community allies.
Other leaders also shared their pride:
Tiffany Cabán, councilor in New York, said: “It is a blessing to ensure that more children have a new team for the new year. Thanks to all our collaborators for investing in the children of Queens.”
Donovan Richards Jr., president of the County, said: “All Queens students deserve to start the school year with good foot.”
Shekar Krishnan, councilor of the 25th district, stressed: “No child should return to school without the tools he needs.”
Michael Gianaris, vice term of the Senate, added: “I am proud to collaborate to ensure that our students begin the school year with good foot.”
Nydia Velázquez, congressman, concluded: “All children deserve to enter the classroom with confidence, ready to learn and dream big.”
With this initiative, Queens leaders sent a clear message: education is a priority, and no student should be left behind at the beginning of the school year.
