Back-to-School Event Lends a Hand, Providing Backpack and School Supplies to Rahway Students

RAHWAY, NJ — On Saturday, August 17, a back-to-school uniform and backpack giveaway took place at the Rahway Recreation Center, from noon to 3 p.m. In addition to providing school supplies, the event included free books and hygiene products, face painting, a bounce house, arts and crafts, games, food, and drinks.

Shakara Henderson, of the nonprofit With Open Hands, founded the event and has organized it for four years now. With Open Hands, according to its website , is "dedicated to enhancing the lives of the entire family through a variety of outreach initiatives."

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This year, Henderson partnered with another local nonprofit organization, Blossoming Hands , in organizing the event and sought the support of a number of others.

The hand, by the way, is such a lovely metaphor for helping out, isn't it? You can offer it, extend it, or lend it. And while we're at it, it's not too much to say that the organizations and individuals involved in Saturday's gathering all worked together seamlessly, just "hand in glove."

Those other organizations offering support, supplies, free items, and assistance included Moab Lodge #70 , a Rahway-based chapter of the PHA (Prince Hall Affiliated) F&AM (Free and Accepted Masons); Rutgers Future Scholars ; I Love 2 Read Book & Literacy Festival; and Fresh Start Second Chances .

"Many hands make light work," it's often said!

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Henderson, speaking with TAPinto Rahway after the event, was clearly thrilled with the organizational collaboration as well as the turnout.

She said, "Through the years, we have provided 769 students with backpacks and school supplies. This year, we collaborated with Blossoming Hands and added school uniforms for the Rahway 7th and 8th Grade Academy. Overall, the day was a great success. If I can only help one family, it makes the work I do well worth it."

Arabia Swain, of Blossoming Hands, added, "It was a pleasure to team up with 'With Open Hands.' We were able to pull off something so great. We're looking forward to next year's event. Our hearts are so full."

Rahway Board of Education member Najah Allen, whose organization, Fresh Start Second Chances, provided free hygiene supplies, offered a note of gratitude to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital (RWJUH) for its generous donation of products.

Meanwhile, the gentlemen of Moab Lodge #70 were busy in the back of the gymnasium, handing out all those backpacks. The organization's current leader, Worshipful Master Augustus Johnson, also struck a note of excitement and optimism, saying, "We found pleasure in seeing the children accompanied by parents and siblings attend and enjoy themselves and were happy we could give some assistance to families preparing their children to return to school this year."

After all those remarks, following a day of terrific fun, inspiring goodwill, and charitable giving, how much more can one really add?

The 2024 back-to-school giveaway in Rahway was (you had to know this was coming, no?) "hands down" really something special!

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