Senator Jose Peralta Distributes 3,000 Backpacks and School Supplies to Local Students during Ninth Annual Back to School Giveaway

Today, State Senator Jose Peralta, community organizations and volunteers distributed approximately 3,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to local children on a first-come, first-serve basis during the Senator’s Ninth Annual Back to School Giveaway. The traditional backpack giveaway event was held at the 98^th Place and 57^th Avenue intersection in Corona. With the upcoming academic year just one month away, each student received one backpack containing notebooks, pencil kits, crayons and other learning tools. Over the past nine years, Senator Peralta and collaborating organizations have distributed more than 20,000 new backpacks to local schoolchildren.

Over 20 local organizations collaborated with Senator Peralta in this year’s back to school event. Local children were able to climb the rock-wall provided by the New York Police Department Community Affairs. Additionally, students and children also participated in face-painting activities and jumped around a bounce house. 

“Education is fundamental for a child’s future, and providing the appropriate learning tools is vital to ensure schoolchildren are confident to face the new academic year. Unfortunately, many hard-working families struggle to make ends meet and cannot afford to buy the basic school supplies for their children,” said Senator Peralta. “With initiatives like this, we try to provide local students with the school necessities they need and deserve. This Back to School event is just another way in which I am able to keep on delivering for our community, and making sure our kids are ready to succeed.”

“As a company, United Airlines believes in the importance of education, and making sure that students have the tools needed to succeed in the classroom,” said Debra Roberts, General Manager of United’s LaGuardia Operations. “We applaud this exciting collaboration and are pleased to offer our support to the Back to School initiative.”

“It is a magnificent opportunity for me and for Mark Medical Care to be able to share our blessings with the community because a seeing a child smile and making a family happy is what really connects me with who I am,” said Ron Mark, CEO and Medical at Mark Medical Care.

“We’re very happy to work with Senator Peralta to help welcome kids back to school,” said Carol Conslato, Corporate Affairs Director for Con Edison in Queens. “Our children succeed when the entire community works together to give them the supplies and resources they need to learn.”

“With the new school year quickly approaching, we are excited to partner with New York State Senator Jose Peralta and Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens to help prepare students to succeed in the classroom,” said Queens Library President and CEO Dennis M. Walcott.

“LaGuardia Gateway Partners is proud to support the 2018 Back to School event hosted by New York State Senator Jose Peralta, Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, and The Learning Multi-Cultural School. Providing much needed school supplies to the children in our community is essential – and perhaps will even inspire the next generation of architects, engineers, and airline pilots,” said Grace Stevens, Community and External Relations Manager of LaGuardia Gateway Partners, the company operating and redeveloping LaGuardia Airport’s Terminal B.

“Delta is proud to partner with Senator Peralta for his annual Back to School supply giveaway because it’s an event that is truly making a difference for students all across Queens. The goal is very simple but so important: make sure that students start the school year with the materials they need to succeed in the classroom,” said Delta Air Lines Managing Director of State and Local affairs, Patricia Ornst.

“Queens Center is always proud to provide much needed backpacks to Senator Peralta’s Back to School event. These public/private partnerships are a perfect way to make life better for those in need in our community. Assisting families with their back-to-school needs, takes some of the pressure off the season for parents. And it gives children a head start on their academic success. So once again we at Queens Center are proud to donate 500 backpacks to this worthy effort,” said John Scaturro, Senior Manager Marketing Queens Center Mall.

“LeFrak City is proud to partner with Senator Peralta in his efforts to improve the educational experience of the children of our district,” said LeFrak City Management.

“Apicha Community Health Center (CHC) applauds Senator Peralta, Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, and The Learning Multi-Cultural School for organizing Senator Peralta's Back to School event. Apicha CHC is delighted for the opportunity to partner again with the office of Senator Peralta and other local organizations to spend the day helping families in Corona prepare for the upcoming school year. As we prepare for the opening of our new health center in Jackson Heights, we look forward to providing this community with affordable, comprehensive medical and dental care for the whole family,” said Amanda Siebert.

“Affinity Health Plan is proud to support the Annual Back-To-School event hosted by Senator Jose Peralta, Variety Boys and Girls Club of Queens, and The Learning Multi-Cultural School,” said Brian Otway, Affinity’s Community Engagement Manager. “This is a great opportunity to connect with the community and provide Queens’ youngest residents with backpacks, a necessary school supply for all students, ensuring they return to the classroom prepared and ready to succeed.”

“White Castle is a family owned and operated business since 1921 that is deeply rooted in the community that it serves. It is a pleasure for us to be part of such a great event,” said a representative from White Castle.