News 12 back-to-school celebration helps Paterson families prep for new school year
News 12, in partnership with Optimum and Warner Bros. Discovery, held a back-to-school backpack giveaway at the Paterson Boys & Girls Club.
Families in Paterson got a little extra help preparing for the new school year Friday.
News 12, in partnership with Optimum and Warner Bros. Discovery, held a back-to-school backpack giveaway at the Paterson Boys & Girls Club.
Two hundred children received backpacks filled with school supplies, along with books, free haircuts and other services.
"The families are very excited. They are welcoming any kind of help that they can get," said Vanessa Bazydlo, chief development officer at the Paterson Boys & Girls Club. We are supportive to them. This is a safe haven for our kids and for the parents, for that matter."
Those who went home with a backpack on their hands, were grateful for the event.
"I like that people are giving school supplies because sometimes our parents doesn't have money to give us school supplies," said Isaac Martinez.
Community partners including Staples, the New Jersey Jackals, New York Cosmos and local departments also joined the celebration.
Organizers say the event is about supporting families and making sure kids have what they need to start the school year ready to learn.
