For the third straight year, COJO Flatbush played a key role in Plaza Auto Mall’s popular Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, in partnership with City Councilmembers Farah Louis (whose office facilitated COJO’s involvement) and Inna Vernikov; State Senator Roxanne Persaud; State Assemblymember Rodneyse Bichotte Hermeleyn; the Mayor’s Community Affairs Unit; and the NYPD Community Affairs Bureau.
A contingent of COJO staffers arrived well before the event’s scheduled start at Plaza Auto’s sleek and spacious Nostrand Avenue facility to set up and help distribute backpacks, school supplies, and caps. They also gave out kosher snacks and bottled water, donated by COJO, to the large turnout of parents and children.
In addition to backpacks, school supplies, and caps, there were carnival games and face painting, the NYPD’s immensely popular Game Truck and 25-foot rock-climbing wall, a popcorn and cotton-candy stand, and a Cones Kosher Ice Cream Truck dispensing soft-serve ice cream and other frozen delights.
Councilmember Louis, New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and Plaza Auto Mall marketing director Sean Tahzib spoke to the crowd, thanking the elected officials and community organizations whose support ensures the success of the Backpack Giveaway and stressing the importance of equipping the next generation for success.
“It’s always our great pleasure to participate in the Giveaway,” said COJO Flatbush CEO Louis Welz. “Our commitment to helping our neighbors is well-served by events like this, which involve a collaboration between private businesses, not-for-profit agencies, and elected officials.”
Added COJO Social Services Director Shulamis Shapiro, “Whether it’s through the Backpack Giveaway, Holiday Food Distributions, Free Tax Preparation, Adult Education Classes, Assistance with Benefits and Entitlements, Senior Enrichment Activities, or dozens of other programs and events, we’re committed to fulfilling our mandate: Help Starts Here!”
