Senator Parker’s ‘Back-to-School Giveaway’ Helps Scores of Brooklyn Youngsters Get Ready for School

FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR KEVIN PARKER

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For Immediate Release: Tuesday, September 8, 2009

SENATOR PARKER’S ‘BACK-TO-SCHOOL GIVEAWAY’ HELPS SCORES OF BROOKLYN YOUNGSTERS GET READY FOR SCHOOL

1,000 plus turn out for a day of fun, old-fashioned street games, entertainment and free supplies

Brooklyn, NY – Under the backdrop of perfect skies and festive atmosphere, Senator Kevin Parker gave away 1,100 free backpacks with school supplies to eager Central Brooklyn children and families.  The annual Harvest Fest: Celebrating End of Summer / Back to School event was held in conjunction with Sesame Flyers International , Inc., in front of the Brooklyn lawmaker’s district office on Avenue D, Saturday, September 5, 2009.  The competing West-Indian American Day Carnival activities did not keep throngs of neighborhood families from visiting and enjoying a day of street games, face painting and refreshments.  Among the partnering organizations were the Flatbush YMCA that raffled a free annual membership to a winning family; Medgar Evers College with college readiness information and the Wyckoff Museum that demonstrated how to make homemade apple cider.

"This summer’s Harvest Fest is more important and necessary than ever as we still face the biggest contraction in our nation’s economy,” said Senator Parker. “I’m thrilled to see how today’s partners and contributors joined me in helping our working families and children prepare for the upcoming school year with this backpack of supplies!,” he added.

One visitor commented, “It’s a great thing to see parents and children get there early and line up, said Mrs. Thompson referring to the crowd that gathered at this year’s event.

A myriad of local businesses and community-based organizations including, but not limited to the Flatbush YMCA, Occasions Party, Year Up, Wyckoff House, the Brooklyn Public Library and Affinity Health Plan participated.  The event was sponsored in part by the Frank J. Barone Funeral Home.  The annual event culminates summer and gives school-aged children and their families a reason to be eager about returning to school, knowing they have the support of their local Senator. 

About Senator Kevin Parker

Senator Kevin S. Parker is committed to restoring the overall quality of life for the constituents of the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn.  A lifelong Brooklyn resident, Senator Parker has been a Flatbush resident for more than 27 years.  Having been nurtured, schooled and employed in the district, Senator Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of this ethnically diverse community that consists of 311,000 constituents in several communities which include:  Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park.

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