New York State Senator Kevin Parker on Aug. 23 distributed approximately 1200 sets of school supplies during his 18th Annual Harvest Festival Back-to-school giveaway at an hours-long day of enjoyment at Paerdegat Park on Farragut Road, in Brooklyn.
The partnership with Spectrum, A Shared Dream Foundation, Brooklyn Alumnae Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc., and Emblem Health, among others, made the day’s celebration a total success, as seen from the lengthy line that stretched along the park grounds.
Families, students, and teachers, waited patiently for their turn to receive backpacks loaded with notepads, pens, pencils, printing paper, erasers, and resource pamphlets to get pupils ready for the new school year.
A photo-opportunity with the legislator, garnered big smiles for the camera.
The lawmaker, who represents the 21st Senatorial District in Brooklyn, explained that the core aspect of the Harvest Fest, was to distribute school supplies, while providing a variety of activities such as artwork, games, and creative balloon craft by Ms. Charmaine Decorations youth program information, and storybooks to encourage literacy, were also distributed.
“We want the whole idea of the beginning of the school year to be a positive one for kids in the community. This year we are lucky, because of the partnerships forged,” he said noting that approximately 1200 sets of school supplies were handed out.
“I was a kid who went to public school, so I know how important these kinds of activities were when I was growing up. I want to pay it forward and make sure that the young people coming up in my community are having the school supplies they need, but also having the positive and enjoyable school experience at the beginning of the year,” said the politician.
Desiree Gordon, executive director of ifetayo Foundation – a cultural arts academy and social innovation hub that engages families and students across Brooklyn, lauded the festival as a cultural space that was key for community development, investment, and inspiration.
Girls with knowledge Inc. a non-profit, that offer financial literacy, health and wellness, and economic empowerment, through its after-school programming, has participated in the festival for the past three years. As part of the day’s activities, students, built teabags, as a characteristic example they want to take into the new school year.
A representative thanked Senator Parker for his commitment to educating community children, while wishing students a successful school year.
Miss Full Figured USA Caribbean 2025, Zeneth Y. Buzzele, a Brooklyn Leaders Lions Club member, who volunteered at the festival, and distributed delicious treats to the children, applauded Senator Kevin Parker for the amazing work he is doing to promote education, and for the eighteen years he has been hosting the back-to-school backpack giveaway.
Thanks also to the energetic, and very capable, emcee Kamla Millwood, who kept the crowd entertained, and helped to make the celebration once again, outstanding.
She lauded Senator Parker for the incredible work he is doing through engagement, and partnerships.
District leader Anthony Beckford who represents the 43rd NYS Assembly District in Brooklyn, appreciated the celebration, that he said, brings the community together. NYPD Sargent Sampson of the 67th Precinct, in turn, provided guidance, and shared tips with the students to keep them safe.
Gratitude was extended to Planet Fitness for getting families on their feet for an infectious Soca Fitness session. The Flatbush YMCA’s Coach Jarret Jaxon who conducted a Calypso workout, along with the spins of DJ Lester Brooks of Sesame Flyers, put the crowd into a carnival frenzy.
The celebration was also made possible with the participation of the Brooklyn Public Library, CABS Health Network, Dymond Cutz by Kalonji Community Barbers, Bronx & Brooklyn Nergy Hub, African Drumming by Ballet Fe So, Sunshine Chapter #34, and the dedicated staffers of the office of Senator Parker.
Professional photographer Duane Anthony Lyken, captured the day’s festivities with precision.
