With the start of a new school year, the New York City & Vicinity District Council of Carpenters participated in community events throughout the city to provide students with school supplies and other resources. They partnered with local elected officials and community organizations on 19 events throughout the City. Union carpenters and contractors want to do their part to give back to children in their community and equip them with the tools needed for success in the classroom.
In the Bronx, union carpenters and contractors partnered with State Senator Jamaal Bailey, Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie, Assembly Member Karines Reyes, Assembly Member Kenny Burgos, Assembly Member Nathalia Fernandez, Council Member Kevin Riley, Council Member Eric Dinowitz, and even sponsored the Diamond in the Rough Youth Basketball initiative.
In Queens, they partnered with Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, State Senator Leroy Comrie, Assembly Member Alicia Hyndman, Assembly Member Khaleel Anderson, Assembly Member Jessica Gonzalez-Rojas, Council Speaker Adrienne Adamas, Council Majority Whip Selvena Brooks-Powers, Council Member Francisco Moya, Council Member Nantasha Williams, and Catholic Charities.
They supported Brooklyn communities alongside State Senator Julia Salazar, State Senator Roxanne Persaud, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, Council Member Rita Joseph, and Council Member Althea Stevens.
Stand-out events included Assembly Speaker Carl Heastie’s Back to School fair held at his district office, where union carpenters and contractors worked to provide 150 backpacks and school kits and children received free haircuts, new sneakers, and families received fresh produce donated from INCA Relief NY. Union carpenters and contractors also supported Council Member Moya’s annual back-to-school block party that brought family fun and resources to Queens communities.
“Union carpenters believe in setting strong foundations––both in New York City’s infrastructures and in our communities,” stated Executive Secretary-Treasurer Joseph Geiger. “Building a better future for our city starts with supporting youth and their education. I’m so proud of our partnership with union contractors and the countless elected officials who dedicated their time to uplifting our neighbors during back-to-school season.”
“Giving back to our community members in need is vital in order to uplift our entire city,” stated Assembly Member Carl Heastie. “I’m so thankful for the union carpenters and contractors for their efforts to support youth throughout the city, especially in the Bronx. I look forward to continuing to partner with them in the future.”
“It is critical that we provide children with the resources to be successful in the classroom. Having the proper supplies can make all the difference in a student’s education,” stated State Senator Jamaal Bailey. “Let’s continue to make education a priority and ensure that all students are prepared to prosper. I appreciate all of the work that union carpenters and contractors put into these events throughout the city.”
“Uplifting Queens residents is always my top priority, so I’m thankful to union carpenters and contractors for lending a helping hand during back-to-school season,” stated Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. “We provided bookbags and supplies for the children in Jamaica, Queens to ensure they were well prepared on their first day of school. These efforts go a long way in ensuring the success of students throughout the borough. Wishing all students the best of luck during the school year!”
“Education is key to unlocking future success and prosperity for all New Yorkers. That’s why I’m so grateful to union carpenters and contractors for their commitment to giving back to children and families throughout the City,” stated Council Member Francisco Moya. “I’m proud to say that we brought 100s of school supplies and book bags to Queens’ children. I hope these efforts helped lay the foundation for a great school year for all.”
“The young people in our state represent our future. That’s why ensuring all students have equal footing when starting off the school year is so important. Many students’ education was impacted as a consequence of the pandemic, so efforts like these are so important to rectify this and support our youth,” stated State Senator Julia Salazar. “Back-to-school drives ensure that students will feel prepared and confident when they go back to the classroom this year. I’m grateful to the union carpenters and contractors for their partnership and continued commitment to giving back to Brooklyn communities.”