Housing Support Services of Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York marked a Backpack Giveaway event Aug. 23 at Second Farms in the Bronx. More than 450 backpacks were distributed free-of-charge to area youngsters preparing to go back to school. The cost of the program was paid for by Catholic Charities donors.

The school support was not limited solely to backpacks. Children also received pencil cases, folders, and notebooks. “Our goal is to assist families with a sprinkling of joy so they can focus on buying their children uniforms and clothing rather than school supplies,” said Madelyn Lantigua, Director of Community Engagement for Housing Support Services at Second Farms.

Second Farms, which opened in 2021, was built by Catholic Charities to provide low-cost housing to Bronx residents. Catholic Charities provides counseling and support services for residents as well. The Aug. 23 event was the third annual backpack day held at Second Farms.