Roads to Success Backpack Giveaway: Empowering Our Youth, One Backpack at a Time

On September 3rd, Roads to Success (RTS) held our annual Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway, a heartfelt event dedicated to supporting the students in our community. With the incredible help of sponsors and volunteers, we distributed 300 backpacks, each fully stocked with essential school supplies to ensure students have everything they need for the upcoming academic year.

The backpacks were carefully packed with items such as notebooks, scissors, pencil sharpeners, erasers, pens, pencils, and rulers. We also included smaller travel-sized backpacks inside the larger ones, providing students with the tools necessary for both academic success and extracurricular activities.

This event wouldn't have been possible without the generosity and support of our sponsors. Their contributions helped make a lasting impact on the lives of our students and families. Thank you  to CornerStone Middle School, NYC Council Member Kevin Riley, Senator Jamal Bailey, New York Cares, and Speaker Carl Hastie for your contributions!

Reflecting on the event, RTS CAO Esther Kuykendoll expressed her gratitude:

“Partnering with the NYCHA Resident Association for this backpack distribution is an incredible opportunity to support our community, and I want to extend a special thanks to the Resident Association President, Mrs. Smith, for their collaboration and our Center Director Yasmin Rodriguez for her leadership. These events are about more than just school supplies—seeing the smiles on the children’s faces as they receive their backpacks reminds us why we do this work: to uplift, support, and empower our communities.”

The joy and gratitude from parents and students alike made this event truly special. For many families, the backpacks were more than just supplies—they were a symbol of hope, community support, and empowerment. Parents shared their appreciation for the relief provided during this back-to-school season, and the children’s excitement was palpable as they explored the contents of their new backpacks.

As RTS continues its mission to support youth and families, events like the backpack giveaway remind us of the importance of community collaboration and the positive impact we can make when we come together. Thank you to everyone who contributed to making this day a success. Together, we are empowering the next generation, one backpack at a time.