State Senator Kevin Parker Distributes Backpacks Filled with School Supplies and PPE to Central Brooklyn Families

8/31/20- (Brooklyn, NY) With the start to the school year quickly nearing, and for some already in full swing, State Senator Kevin Parker did his part to ensure that students had the essentials needed to start the school year off safe, and on the right foot. Senator Parker held his 13th Annual HarvestFest Back-To-School Giveaway where he and community partners furnished students and families with over 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, personal protective equipment (PPE), and hand sanitizers. 

The free school supplies event, usually held annually at Paedegat Park in Flatbush, was split into a two-day event at smaller locations in the 21st District to properly observe social distancing rules. On Thursday, August 28th, Senator Parker distributed backpacks at his District Office, and at the Vanderveer Park United Methodist Church. The following day, he took the backpack giveaway to the Flatbush YMCA and Madison Square Boys & Girls Club.

“We’re dealing with a global pandemic and a high level of uncertainty in our everyday goings,” stated Senator Parker. “People have lost their jobs. Some are facing food insecurity, and for some, school is starting very shortly. As I help my constituents through all of these issues, we must continue to ensure that our students are taken care of as well. While I do not support the rushed reopening of our public schools, I still remain steadfast in my duty to make sure that our students are as prepared as they can be no matter what form their education takes this school year.” 

Senator Parker concluded, “As always, I am appreciative of the support from our event sponsors.  Every year they take the time to make sure our kids have what they need to be successful on their journeys to their careers, and their partnership with my office to this end is invaluable.”  

The free community event was possible through the sponsorship from Spectrum, Student First NY, Emblem, Target, Altice, Consolidated Edison of New York, AT&T, 5 Below, Cricket Wireless, Cartridge Evolution, the New York City Department of Sanitation, and New Hope Church. 

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