As families prepared for the start of a new school year, students in communities across New York and Puerto Rico received a little extra help getting ready for the classroom.

HITN continued its school supply donation program this summer, providing kits to students from families with limited resources as part of the organization’s broader efforts to support education in Hispanic communities.

During August, members of HITN’s Government Relations staff worked with community organizations and elected officials to coordinate and participate in back-to-school events across several New York neighborhoods. The events gave students an opportunity to receive school supplies and connect with community leaders ahead of the new academic year.

Among the public officials who organized or hosted events were State Senator Luis Sepúlveda and Assemblymember Emerita Torres in the Bronx; Assemblymember Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas at Gorman Playground in East Elmhurst; Assemblymember Maritza Davila at the NYPD’s 83rd Precinct in Bushwick; State Senator Roxanne J. Persaud at Canarsie Park; and Councilmember Shekar Krishnan at Moore Homestead Park in Elmhurst.

The gatherings were held in public spaces throughout the communities and relied on the support of donors and local partners committed to helping public school students begin the year with the supplies they need.

For HITN, the initiative is part of a longstanding commitment to supporting families and expanding opportunities for children in the communities it serves. By bringing school supplies directly to students and working alongside local leaders, the program also underscored the importance of community partnerships in helping young people start the school year prepared and with confidence.