NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull recently hosted its third annual Back-to-School Fest/Gun Violence Prevention Community Event in support of Brooklyn families.
In an effort to give back to the community, the local hospital handed out around 1,750 bookbags and school supplies to local families to better prepare kids for the upcoming school year.
The school supply-filled backpacks were donated by Woodhull hospital staff, elected officials, as well as local community organizations.
In addition to providing essential school items, the event also featured a number of activities for the children, including coloring sessions, balloon caricatures, NYPD K9 petting, CPR practice, a garbage truck tour with the City of New York Department of Sanitation and more.
The event also offered up several live performances, with artists such as electric violinist Lorenzo Laroc, Broadway performer Jillian Paige Platero, poet Lil Lexs and Blue Angels Alumni Drum Line.
“We would like to express our gratitude for everyone's contribution towards the Third Annual Back to School Fest/Gun Violence Prevention event at NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull. The collaboration of so many will help provide resources for disadvantaged children and families in our community, including the newly arrived children, who are also preparing for a bright start in their education,” said Jessica Arocho, NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull community affairs director.
Several local organizations and elected officials showed up at the event to show their support. New York State Sen. Jabari Brisport and Assemblymember Maritza Davila both gave remarks, while more than 45 organizations provided numerous giveaways and tabling opportunities.
“Every child deserves quality healthcare and an education so they can grow up to be healthy and successful,” said NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull CEO Gregory Calliste.
“The Back-to-School event provides the children in our community with the resources they need to get started. NYC Health + Hospitals/Woodhull is appreciative of the ongoing support from our elected and local organizations who collaborated on this event.”
