By Bill Parry
State Sen. Jose Peralta (D-East Elmhurst) will hold his seventh annual Back to School Giveaway Saturday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 98th Place and 57th Avenue in Corona.
Each child present at the event will be given one backpack with school supplies for students in kindergarten through grade 12.
“It is vital that students have the proper tools for learning as they begin a new academic year,” Peralta said. “Our main goal with this initiative is to provide local students with the necessary school supplies as part of their preparation for their new school year. Sadly, many families continue to have difficulties to make ends meet and cannot afford these crucial tools.”
All supplies and giveaways are on a first come, first serve basis while supplies last.
“We must ensure we provide the correct educational resources for students without putting a further restraint in the budgets of our families,” Peralta said. He also announced that two family-oriented filmed will be screened in East Elmhurst and Jackson Heights parks in the coming weeks.
“Minions” will be shown in the East Elmhurst Playground, on 25th Avenue between 99th and 100th streets, on Thursday night at sunset, around 8:30 p.m. In case of rain, the film will be presented two nights later.
On Thursday, Aug. 25, “Zootopia” will be screened at Travers Park, located on 34th Avenue between 77th and 78th streets, also at dusk. The rain date for this film is Saturday, Aug. 27.
The movies are free and open to the public.
“We encourage neighbors to bring blankets so they can watch the films more comfortably,” Peralta said.
Reach reporter Bill Parry by e-mail at bparr
