Assemblyman Colton Celebrates Back-to-School Time with School Supplies Giveaway
Assemblyman William Colton, center, was delighted to join City Councilmember Susan Zhuang and Brooklyn DA Eric Gonzalez in sponsoring the backpack/school supply giveaway held outside City Councilmember Zhuang’s office on Sunday, August 24.
Assemblyman William Colton (D—Gravesend, Bensonhurst, Bath Beach and Dyker Heights) joined City Councilmember Susan Zhuang (D—Bensonhurst, Bath Beach, Gravesend, Dyker Heights, Boro Park and Sunset Park) in hosting a backpack giveaway outside the councilmember’s district office on Sunday, August 24.
In total, several hundred children received backpacks filled with supplies donated by numerous organizations and companies. Also spearheading the giveaway was the office of Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez.
“Holding events like these is important, because it sends a crucial message, that we as a society value our children and value learning,” said Assemblyman Colton, who taught elementary school for 11 years early in his career. “We must repeatedly emphasize the importance of education so the younger generation understands how critical it is, both to their future career prospects and to their personal development.”
The organizations donating the supplies included Madison Square Garden Entertainment, Met Council, United Chinese Association of Brooklyn, Sharing Hearts, Happy Toys, CAIPA Foundation, Chinese American Social Services (CASS), the NYPD, Council of Peoples Organization, United Cultural Association, Homecrest Community Services, Better Brooklyn Association, Garden of Hope, Molina Healthcare, Committee of 100, NYC Civil Service Employees, LiveOn NY, Chimerica Women Association, Business Security LLC, Zhanjiang Association of America, and Bee Dream House Design Inc.
In addition to sponsoring the school supply giveaway with Councilmember Zhuang, Assemblyman Colton also helped out at several other back-to-school giveaways over the course of the weekend – at Seth Low Park (sponsored by CASS), at Shore Haven Apartments (sponsored by the Pakistani American Youth Organization) and at Marlboro Houses (sponsored by NYC Health & Hospitals South Brooklyn Health).
“Participating in these sorts of events is so rewarding,” said Assemblyman Colton. “The happiness of the children is inspiring. Their excitement is palpable, and I know they will return to school in a few short days eager to learn.”