Mayor Kraham Announces Details Of Backpack, School Supply Giveaway In Partnership With CARES

Mayor Kraham Announces Details Of Backpack, School Supply Giveaway In Partnership With CARES

(BINGHAMTON, N.Y.) - Mayor Jared M. Kraham Wednesday announced the City is again partnering with CARES Advocates For Families Inc. (CARES) to provide free backpacks and school supplies to City of Binghamton students ahead of the school year.

The program will provide 1,000 backpacks filled with supplies to Binghamton students in grades Pre-K through 12.

Mayor Kraham said: "With so many families feeling the burden of rising prices, back-to-school shopping can be a stressful time. We're partnering with CARES again to ease the strain on local families and make sure that no student in Binghamton starts the school year without the supplies they need to learn and grow."

The free backpacks will be available for pickup by City of Binghamton students this week as follows:

Thursday, Aug. 20 starting at 11 a.m. at:

• Cheri A. Lindsey Memorial Park (1 Truesdell St.)

Friday, Aug. 21 starting at 11 a.m. at:

• Saratoga Apartments Community Center (60 Saratoga Ave.)
• Webster Street Park (95 Jackson St.)

Saturday, Aug. 22 starting at 11 a.m. at:

• Recreation Park (103 Laurel Ave.)

The backpacks will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Students must be present to receive a backpack.

Denise Yull, CEO of CARES, said:"Every student deserves to begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and ready to learn. Having the necessary school supplies supports students academically and helps them feel that their community believes in their success. At a time when many families are experiencing significant economic strain and rising costs, providing backpacks and supplies can ease an important financial burden and help ensure that children start the school year on more equal footing."

The City and CARES began partnering on a backpack and school supply giveaway program in 2017. Since then, more than 8,200 filled backpacks have been provided free of charge to Binghamton students through the program.

The City of Binghamton is providing $10,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds this year to support the backpack and school supply program.