HANYC Foundation and NYSLRA Distribute 800 Backpacks Across Brooklyn and Washington Heights

The Hotel Association of New York City Foundation and the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association helped 800 New York City children begin the academic year prepared and confident through two successful Back-to-School Backpack Giveaways in Brooklyn and Washington Heights.

The community initiative provided students with new backpacks, books, notebooks, pencils, crayons and other essential classroom supplies. Beyond meeting an immediate need, the events helped ease back-to-school expenses for local families while creating welcoming spaces where children could connect with volunteers, community organizations and elected leaders.

Brooklyn Backpack Giveaway

The first giveaway was held on Friday, August 14, 2026, at Salud Bar & Grill, located at 1413 Bushwick Avenue in Brooklyn. From 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., approximately 300 backpacks were distributed to children and families from Bushwick and surrounding Brooklyn communities.

The event was presented by the HANYC Foundation in partnership with the New York State Latino Restaurant, Bar & Lounge Association and LINC – Literacy in Community. Salud Bar & Grill served as the community host.

Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso, New York State Senator Julia Salazar of District 18 and New York City Council Member Sandy Nurse of District 37 partnered in support of the initiative and its commitment to local families.

United Palace Backpack Giveaway

The second giveaway took place on Monday, August 24, 2026, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the historic United Palace, located at 4140 Broadway in Washington Heights.

Five hundred backpacks were distributed to children from Washington Heights and surrounding neighborhoods. Students selected their own backpacks before visiting school-supply stations, where volunteers helped fill their bags with notebooks, pencils, crayons, books and other classroom essentials.

The event also offered complimentary beverages and family photo opportunities inside the United Palace, turning the distribution into an uplifting community celebration.

The United Palace event was hosted and sponsored by the HANYC Foundation and produced in partnership with NYSLRA under the leadership of its president, Sandra Jaquez. It was co-organized with Grassroots Strategies founder José Bayona. HANYC President Vijay Dandapani joined volunteers and community leaders in welcoming families and distributing supplies.

LINC – Literacy in Community provided books and educational resources, while Ponce Bank and Pythia Public Affairs supported the initiative.

The event received support from New York City Council Member Carmen De La Rosa, Council Member Amanda Farías and Assembly Member Manny De Los Santos, whose chief of staff represented his office. Additional support came from Assembly Members Al Taylor and Jordan Wright, Congressman Adriano Espaillat, New York State Senator Robert Jackson and Manhattan Borough President Brad Hoylman-Sigal.

A Collective Investment in New York City’s Children

Across both events, 800 children received the tools and encouragement they needed to return to school ready to learn. The success of the initiative demonstrated what can be accomplished when New York City’s hospitality industry, restaurants, community organizations, financial institutions, elected leaders and volunteers work together.

The HANYC Foundation and NYSLRA extend their sincere appreciation to Salud Bar & Grill, the United Palace, LINC – Literacy in Community, Ponce Bank, Grassroots Strategies, Pythia Public Affairs, participating elected officials and every volunteer who helped make both events successful.

Together, these partners made a meaningful investment in New York City’s children and helped hundreds of families begin the school year feeling supported, celebrated and hopeful.