BY KIM GILL
In a long line that stretched nearly half the block of Vermont Ave, over 100 parents from all over East New York, Brownsville, and Canarsie waited for almost an hour, on a sultry Saturday August 31st at Linden Park, desperate to get free back-to-school supplies for their children, easing some strain on their own pockets.
Back-to-school shopping, a once joyful custom, has become more burdensome in recent years. According to a Coupon Birds survey, parents of school-aged children in New York State spend roughly $1,123 on average for back-to-school supplies, the highest amount in the United States. “I spend about $1,000,” states Tiyana Baker, a mother of seven.
In a neighborhood like East New York, Brooklyn – whose poverty rate of 24.6% is higher than both the city and national rate according to the Furman Center at NYU – back-to-school spending is especially costly.
Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas(D-NY) hopes to ease some of that burden with her annual book bag drive, and her efforts could be felt by parents like Hector Santiago, who stated: “It kind of helps the community also come together, let them know, you know, you don’t have to struggle alone.”
The event, in partnership with Democratic Congressional Leader Hakeem Jeffries(D-NY), received help from local businesses and volunteers who donated their time to service the community. Set with three bouncy houses, a popcorn and cotton candy stand, and a barbecue grill with Civil Court Judges Edward H. King and Ellen Edwards behind it, Vermont Street was transformed into a mini carnival. Aside from the book bags, children were also able to get their hair done for free by volunteers, receive free medical screenings and free CPR lessons, and teens were allowed to sign up for a free driving lesson.
Shawn Hodges, the owner of and instructor at the Community Driving School in Coney Island, was happy to donate his time to help the teens obtain their licenses to increase their prospects for employment. He states, “Once you get your driver’s license, you can work without a high school diploma and without a college degree.” Shanteria Salters, a volunteer braiding hair, said she loved to give back to the community because she was from the area.
Chris Legree, a coach from the Eagle Academy High School, donated his time along with two of his students to cut hair. The school itself focuses on teaching leadership skills to young men within the black and brown community. Legree wanted his students there to help them develop their entrepreneurial skills. Cedric Warren, a student at Eagle Academy, described the first haircut he ever gave as a “life-changing event,” and hopes to open his own business within a year or two.
Parent Joy Mellieon praised the businesses for giving back. She states, “I’m thankful for it, especially the free school supplies because you know that times are hard, and I appreciate whatever it is my child receives.” Naimah S. was happy to hear about the event through her mom and was relieved that hair care services were provided for her daughter, starting middle school this year. “This is very positive, I like it,” she says.
With the event’s success, Assemblywoman Nikki Lucas is already brainstorming ways to expand next year’s drive. She hopes to gain more resources from local medical providers to extend services to hearing, dental, and vision screenings. She believes these services are essential in providing preventative care and can help uncover undiagnosed issues that are easily overlooked. She also believes that providing these services can significantly reduce the chances of children obtaining IEPs or attending special ed.
Overall, the event was able to donate over 400 bookbags to families in need. “Just to be able to provide a helping hand to families is a really great feeling, and I hope that it’s always helpful. We make sure that we incorporate fun with resources. That’s extremely important,” Lucas states.