By Juan Soto
It’s time to hit the books — again.
The Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group hosted a back-to-school initiative by distributing free bookbags and school supplies outside the Jamaica Muslim Center, at 85-37 168th St., in Jamaica Hills.
Needy families gathered at the mosque’s entrance for the giveaway program, which included the bookbags filled with notebooks, pens, crayons, pencils, note tabs, glue sticks and other materials.
“The children of New York deserve to have the best education possible,” said Kamal Bhuiyan, chairman of the Bangladeshi American Advocacy Group. “Having the right supplies can make a significant difference in their academic success.”
Approximately 250 bookbags with school supplies were distributed.
“We are proud to have given out bookbags to hundreds of children and families in need,” said Bhuiyan, referring to all the giveaway programs put in place throughout the city.
According to the National Retail Federation, the cost of back-to-school shopping for an average family with children is $670. The survey found that a family shopping for high school students will spend an average $682.99, while parents with kids in elementary school will spend an average $580.94.
Reach reporter Juan Soto by e-mail at jsoto@cnglocal.com or by phone at 718-260-4564.
