6 Uptown School Supply Drives and Celebrations to Usher in the Academic Year
From block parties to backpack bashes, check out this roundup of local back-to-school events.
Summer days are dwindling, and in just over a week, classes will officially be in session in New York City. Ahead of the return to school, local nonprofits and community groups are hosting events that blend academics and amusement. From backpack drives in the Bronx that provide students with essential supplies to block parties in Harlem designed to spread encouragement and excitement about the upcoming school year, there’s so much in store Uptown.
Whether you’re in search of local resources or looking to help your youngster kick off the school season on a high note, Columbia Neighbors has curated a list of local backpack drives and back-to-school celebrations to attend and support.
Aug. 23 | 11:00 AM
The AKP Sports Foundation, a nonprofit that merges sports and service, is helping local youth put their best foot forward in the classroom this year. The group is partnering with other nonprofits, community leaders,and houses of worship to host a free back-to-school carnival for students in grades 1-8 at the Salvation Army Manhattan Citadel Corps Community Center. The lineup of activities includes communal games for youth and local resource booths for families. The celebration is free and open to the public.
Aug. 23 | 1:00 PM
Launched in 2016 by Harlemite Gracie Cedres as an outlet to keep the legacy of her late grandmother, Rev. Grace Hyman’s community work alive, G.R.A.C.E. (Granting Resources and Community Enrichment) Inc. has been at the forefront of impactful initiatives rooted in advancing education, economic empowerment, and addressing food insecurity. Ahead of the new school year, the nonprofit will host its seventh annual Back-to-School Block Party in Harlem, where local youth will receive backpacks and other supplies.
In addition to the giveaway, the lineup for the fun-filled festival includes face painting, cupcake decorating, a sidewalk bounce house, live music, and STEM exploration activities, with an appearance by BioBus, the locally loved laboratory-on-wheels. The block party is free and open to the public.
Aug. 23 | 2:00 PM
New York State of Mind (NYSoM), a local nonprofit that runs enrichment programs with a social impact focus, is ushering in the back-to-school season with a Wizard of Oz-themed celebration in East Harlem. The group is partnering with the New York Restoration Project and Creative Art Works NYC to host the event.
During the event, children will receive free school supply sets while supplies last and take part in activities with characters including Dorothy, the Tin Man, the Scarecrow, and the Wicked Witch of the West. The event is free and open to the public. Follow the yellow brick road to the El Barrio Community Garden and join in on the fun. If you’d like to contribute to the drive, NYSoM is collecting supply donations through Aug. 23.
Aug. 26 | 12:00 PM
For over a century, Union Settlement has been dedicated to holistically serving East Harlem residents through an array of community-driven initiatives, focused on everything from economic development to wellness. Before the new school year kicks off, the Uptown nonprofit has set out on a mission to provide 2,000 local youth with backpacks and other much-needed supplies.
As part of its youth development wing, Union Settlement will host a back-to-school soiree at the El Sitio Feliz community garden that will include a free distribution of backpacks stocked with supplies, activities and games for youth, information about community resources, vibrant music, and raffles. The summer jam is free and open to the public.
Aug. 28 | 1:00 PM
Make way for back-to-school season Uptown with a massive block party in Manhattanville, hosted by the NYPD 26th Precinct’s Community Affairs division and Manhattan Community Board 9. Join Columbia Community Service, Columbia University Facilities and Operations’ Construction Business Initiatives unit, Columbia’s Office of Public Safety, alongside other local groups for the 10th Annual Back-2-School celebration. The family-friendly event will include a distribution of free school supplies, live entertainment, immersive games, refreshments, information about community resources, and more. Want a peek into the block party vibes? Check out these joy-filled photos from last year’s event.
Aug. 30 | 3:00 PM
This back-to-school season, the New York Restoration Project is helping local youth plant seeds of hope and confidence. As part of its lineup of Backpack Giveaways, the nonprofit—dedicated to the revitalization of green spaces across the Big Apple—is joining forces with the Creston Avenue Playground’s garden group, Vision U We-R-Arts, and the Bronx’s first children’s bookstore, Wilde Flowers & Books, for a free school supply giveaway in Fordham. The event will also include immersive cooking demonstrations with members of the playground’s gardening collective. The bonanza is free and open to the public.