Manhattan – On Friday, Assemblymember Grace Lee and Grand Street Settlement hosted a free back-to-school event distributing over 1,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to families across Lower Manhattan.

The event was organized by Assemblymember Lee and Grand Street Settlement, with support from the Hispanic Federation, Madison Square Garden, UA3, New York Cares, and Trinity Church. 

“'With the high cost of living, buying school supplies should not add to a family's stress,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “I am proud to partner with Grand Street Settlement to help ensure that students in Lower Manhattan have the resources they need as they head back to school. The start of a new school year should be an exciting time for every child, and having the right supplies helps students walk into the classroom ready to learn and succeed.”

“We’re deeply grateful to Assembly Member Grace Lee and all of our community partners for coming together to provide over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies for Lower East Side children," said Robert Cordero, CEO of Grand Street Settlement. "Their support ensures our young people start the school year ready to get the most out of their education."

The event also featured free haircuts, food, raffles, free ice cream, a rock climbing wall provided by the NYPD and a resource fair featuring local non profits and elected officials offices.

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg, State Senator Brian Kavanagh, Council Member Harvey Epstein, and Council Member Christopher Marte attended the event and provided brief remarks to the crowd of local families.

A new school year is a new opportunity for our young people to reach their full potential, and ensuring their success is a shared responsibility among families, schools, community partners and law enforcement,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. “Today’s back-to-school event is about more than providing school supplies – it’s about investing in our youth by showing them that their communities believe in them. I am proud to join Assemblymember Grace Lee and our Lower East Side community organizations, sponsors, and partners to give students the tools and support necessary to start the school year strong and succeed.”

“As the new school year approaches, each and every one of our students deserves to have access to the supplies they need to be successful. I am proud to support Assemblymember Grace Lee and Grand Street Settlement in this wonderful event to provide free backpacks, haircuts, and resources for all who need them,” said State Senator Brian Kavanagh, who represents Lower Manhattan and has been a longstanding supporter of Grand Street Settlement.

“Amidst a cost of living crisis, I am proud to be partnering with Assemblymember Grace Lee and Grand Street Settlement to ease the financial stress of back-to-school season on families. By distributing backpacks and other school supplies to our neighbors, I’m proud to help provide resources to help our community members thrive all school year,” said Council Member Harvey Epstein.