CEDARHURST, NY — Ahead of the new school year, Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick delivered 100 backpacks to The Sustenance Hope Opportunities Place (The S.H.O.P.) at the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC to support local students and families. The effort was made possible through a continued partnership with Green Acres Mall.

The S.H.O.P. is a social services hub that provides essential goods, nutritional support, and encouragement to individuals and families facing hardship throughout the community. 

"Backpacks are an essential part of a student's school year, and everyone deserves to have the proper resources for the upcoming year," said Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick. "Stacey and her team at the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC do a great job of making sure families have access to great resources, and I am glad that I was able to contribute to that and make sure students are given the best chance to succeed this school year."

"For many families, back to school is an exciting time. It's a fresh start, time to see old friends and an opportunity to make new ones. Unfortunately, it is also a time of stress for many families in our community. The fresh start of back to school also means the need for new school supplies and sometimes a new backpack. Expensive items for families who are struggling to make ends meet. We are extremely grateful to Senator Patricia Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick for recognizing the burden this time of year puts on so many families. These beautiful backpacks filled with supplies will bring a huge smile to the faces of children who will be starting school. They can begin their new academic year with dignity and ready for success," said Stacey Feldman, Executive Director of the Marion & Aaron Gural JCC. "

Green Acres Mall has remained an active community partner in supporting local families. In addition to providing the backpacks for this effort, the mall hosted a back-to-school backpack giveaway on August 22, which Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick attended. 

“I am grateful to Green Acres Mall for helping make this possible and proud that these backpacks will help local students start the school year prepared and ready to succeed,” Senator Canzoneri-Fitzpatrick concluded.