The end of summer means thousands of Newark students are getting ready to head back to school.
The return to classes also means students need supplies such as pencils, notebooks, and backpacks. But paying for new school supplies can have a significant financial impact on some families. This year, the National Retail Federation estimates that parents of children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $874 on clothes, shoes, and other supplies.
To help offset some of those back-to-school costs, local groups in Newark are giving away free haircuts, backpacks, helmets, and other supplies. Here’s a list of back-to-school events happening this month.
Time: Breakfast at 11 a.m. Program and activities at 11 a.m. Giveaways at 12 p.m.
Former city council candidate Chigozie Onyema and the Maroon Project in Newark are hosting a free breakfast and school supply giveaway for city students. Every child who attends will receive a free book and bookbag and families can enter a raffle to win gift cards for school uniforms while supplies last. Community members can also donate supplies to students through the group’s Amazon Wishlist page.
Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Allen AME Church, 56 19th Ave, Newark, NJ 07103
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The Allen AME Church will give away food, backpacks, and other school supplies and is open to everyone in the community. The event will feature entertainment, face painting, and a bounce house for kids. For more information call: 973-373-7753
Saturday, Aug. 17
Where: Urban League, 508 Central Avenue, Newark, NJ 07107
Where: Hawkins Street School, 8 Hawkins St, Newark, NJ 07105
Time: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Newark Public Schools is hosting a back-to-school kick-off event where families can apply for free lunch for students and after-school programs. The event will also offer free school supplies for city students while supplies last.
Friday, Aug. 23
Where: Newark Police Department 7th Precinct, 159 N 10th St, Newark, NJ, 07107
The event will feature a safety and health fair that offers helmet fittings, ambulance tours, sidewalk CPR demonstrations, and bike safety tips. Families will also receive free school supplies, refreshments, and more.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Nat Turner Park 251-289 18th Avenue, Newark, NJ 07108
Time: 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
Bless A Bag will host a free backpack and school supply giveaway offering food, snacks, and activities for kids.
Saturday, Aug. 24
Where: Southward: 98 Rose Terrace, Newark, NJ 07108
Westward: 373 South 19th Street, Newark, NJ, off of South Orange Ave
Leaders for Life, Brookline Sports + Brookline Sports Outreach, and Mr. Urban Sports are giving away free haircuts and backpacks to Newark students. For more information, call 908-455-1734.
The Frierson Foundation and Changing Paths are hosting their annual back-to-school bookbag and supply giveaway while supplies last. Contact Mr. Armstrong at 201-577-4396 or Mr. Frierson at 973-207-6507 for more information.
Saturday, Aug. 31
Where: Ivy Hill Park, 5 Manor Dr., Newark, NJ 07106
Time: 4 p.m.
The Girls Live, Love, Laugh organization founded by Newark Public Schools board member Allison James-Frison will be giving away school supplies to city students. The event was rescheduled to Aug. 31 due to expected weather conditions.
The Ahavas Sholom Synagogue will host a school supply giveaway day filled with activities for students and the community. All Newark students are welcome and families must RSVP on the Eventbrite page .
Jessie Gómez is a reporter for Chalkbeat Newark, covering public education in the city. Contact Jessie at jgomez@chalkbeat.org .
Comments / 8
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Jo-Ann P Simonelli-Schumell
08-17
Why only Newark??? Other towns have children in the same predicament but they get nothing!!!!
NJ Refugee
08-17
Newark got all the money in the state. They can't educate kids. Teachers are just as dumb as the students. But hand out free supplies.
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