August 24, 2023, East Orange, NJ: The start of the school year is just around the corner and Mayor Ted R. Green, the East Orange City Council and the Department of Public Safety in partnership with the East Orange Bronze Shields are hosting a Back-to-School Giveaway and Community Resource Fair on Friday, September 1, 2023 at East Orange City Hall Plaza between 5pm-8pm.
In addition to hundreds of free bookbags, school supplies and haircuts, non-profit agencies will be on-site to offer housing, employment and training, food assistance, and health screenings for East Orange families. The event is free and open to the public. Attendees also will enjoy food, music, bouncy houses, a gaming truck, youth activities and more!
According to data from the National Retail Federation, American families spent an average of $864 on school supplies in 2022. Alleviating that financial burden is the giveaway’s main goal.
“Every child deserves to have the proper tools they need to succeed in school. I want to extend a sincere thank you to our local partners who help us make this event possible year after year,” said Mayor Green. “We are proud to be able to support our families and reduce the burden that back-to-school shopping can bring. School supplies have increased more than 20 percent over the past two years and this event is an opportunity for all of our students in need to start the school year right and with confidence.”
Sgt. Keith Alston, President of the East Orange Bronze Shields, said that one of the main reasons he spearheaded establishment of the local chapter of the non-profit police organization in order to increase positive community engagement between law enforcement and residents.
“Through our active partnerships with the city and other local agencies, we are able to give back to the community and demonstrate that we not only protect and serve, but we also care,” said Alston. “Our mayor has created an environment within the city that allows organizations like us to come in and lend a helping hand to get the city residents what they need on a regular basis. We thank him not only for the opportunity to join his platform of giving back, but for his leadership in allowing inclusion to better the city he runs day to day. Our team at the EO Bronze Shields reflects everything about this community and giving back is one of our main priorities.”
The event’s additional sponsoring partners include the East Orange Family Success Center, Flower Garden Dispensary, Jabrill Peppers, Joi’s Angels, Junee’s Barber/Salon, King and Queen Love Foundation, New York Giants, Roll-Up Life, SBF Development, LLC, The Shauger Group, Sodexo Magic, The Ted R. Green Foundation, Theta Phi Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., Walgreen’s, and the YMCA of East Orange.
Supplies will be given on a first come, first served basis. For more information, please call the Mayor’s Office of Constituent Services at 973.266.5151 or constituentservices@eastorange-nj.gov
WHO: City of East Orange and Community Partners
WHAT: Back-to-School Giveaway and Community Resource Fair
WHEN: Friday, September 1, 2023 between 5pm-8pm
WHERE: East Orange City Hall Plaza, East Orange, NJ