For Families in Need, School Supplies Are Just Another Expense
The end of summer means the beginning of a new school year, and across New York, families in need struggle with the costs of new bags, pencils, and binders on top of their housing and grocery bills.
But on August 27, 60 children were given new backpacks filled with school supplies to welcome them into the academic year and provide their parents with some peace of mind.
The backpack giveaway organized by Nazareth Housing, an agency of Catholic Charities of New York, saw families gather at the Lower East Side pantry to partake in fun activities, eat a hot meal, and receive all sorts of back-to-school goodies. This was just one of many back-to-school drives hosted by Catholic Charities and its partner agencies, which together provide hundreds of children across the city with the supplies they need to start the school year ready to learn.
Crystal, who brought her grandson to the event for a new bookbag, expressed her gratitude for Nazareth Housing and their involvement in the community.
“This is a great thing for me and my grandson,” shared Crystal, whose husband works for the pantry. “They do a lot of good things with the community and the people.”
“In this event we thought, ‘How much can we take off people’s plates in terms of their own spending for back-to-school?’” said Reilly Harrington, a special assistant to the executive director of Nazareth Housing.
Nazareth Housing provides supportive housing, pantry services, and shelters for children, which makes this event particularly in line with its mission.
“We’re an all-around, all-encompassing social care network as well as supportive housing program,” said Reilly.
A United Front to Serve Our Community
Between the lack of work and economic challenges, it’s not easy for Kathy to provide her three children with their back-to-school necessities. But when Catholic Charities and Nazareth Housing stepped in, she was able to bring home a backpack for each of her kids.
Kathy, a mother to a seventh-, fourth-, and first-grader, was grateful for Catholic Charities and the support she received.
“It’s very good. They want to help a lot, and they always do. It’s impactful for the community,” she said.
Catherine Ugarte, the program director for Nazareth Housing’s Lower East Side office, explained the significance of helping families during the back-to-school season.
“Back-to-school is notoriously a time when families have a lot more increased expenses, so along with our community events, I think this fits into that goal,” said Catherine.
Nazareth Housing wasn’t alone in this giveaway, however; global reinsurance company SCOR and New York State Assemblymember Harvey Epstein supported the event with volunteers and supplies, ensuring that each family wouldn’t leave empty-handed.
“We always want to make sure we have the budget for the kids getting the appropriate amount of materials,” said Reilly. “But the amount of support that’s shown from people like Assemblymember Epstein, community members, and volunteers — it really helps bridge that gap of the hours and the people-power needed to make something happen.”
Kathy reiterated the importance of her community coming together and showing up for families like her own.
“It’s a good help. A good time we get to share with the community and with our children, because there are times when we say, ‘Yes, I like this experience because I share it with the community, and above all, with my children,’” she said.
It’s More Than a Backpack: It’s Hope
Back-to-school is supposed to be an exciting time; getting new supplies should be a fun outing with your child, and no parent should have to worry about how the cost is going to impact what they can put on their table.
One of the goals of the backpack giveaway and other Catholic Charities events is to instill a sense of hope rooted in community — the assurance that there’s always a welcoming place to turn when a family needs support.
“The ‘gathering’ part of the event is really important. It helps families know that they have someone to turn to at Nazareth. It reminds them that with the holidays coming up, we’re going to be holding events too,” Catherine said.
The community aspect also lies in the several organizations partnering with each other to put on this event every year, such as Catholic Charities, SCOR, and Assemblymember Epstein.
“I’m really grateful that we can find community partners that can help us put this event on, and I hope in the future we continue to hold it,” Catherine added.
Reilly emphasized Catherine’s point.
“Businesses and organizations willing to step up… and the assemblymember looking out for his own constituents is really massive,” he said. “Everything is so much easier when you have 10 people compared to five.”
“I think the sense of hope is knowing that organizations like Nazareth and politicians like Assemblymember Epstein are willing to go that extra mile and set up events like this for the kids. It’s making sure resources are available and advocating for people who need someone to speak up and make sure they’re aware of the resources they need,” Reily continued.
In a city as costly as New York, starting the school year with the right supplies — and the right support — can make all the difference. Thanks to efforts like this, families are reminded that their community stands with them every step of the way.
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