On Wednesday, Assemblymember Grace Lee and Grand Street Settlement hosted a free back-to-school event distributing over 1,000 free backpacks filled with school supplies to families across Lower Manhattan.

Hundreds of families received free backpacks and school supplies thanks to the partnership of Assemblymember Lee and Grand Street Settlement, with support from the Hispanic Federation, Madison Square Garden, UA3, Bloomingdale’s, Macy's, and Blue Mercury.

“The start of the school year should bring excitement, not anxiety about school supplies,” said Assemblymember Grace Lee. “Every child deserves to start the year with the supplies they need to reach their full potential, and I’m grateful to partner with Grand Street Settlement to make that possible.”

“We’re deeply grateful to Assembly Member Grace Lee, Macy’s, and all of our community partners for coming together to provide more than 1,400 backpacks filled with school supplies for Lower East Side children," said Robert Cordero, CEO of Grand Street Settlement. "Their support ensures our young people start the school year ready to get the most out of their education."

The event also featured live performances, a resource fair, food, raffles, haircuts, a rock wall and games truck provided by the NYPD.

Assemblymember Epstein and Councilmember Marte attended the event and provided brief remarks to the crowd of local families.

“I am happy to join Grand Street Settlement, my elected partners and so many community organizations and leaders to ensure that young people in our community have the backpacks, resources, and school supplies that they need to thrive in the upcoming school year,” said Assembly Member Harvey Epstein.