"It's so generous," said Heather Manikas. "My son is excited to have his New York Islanders backpack and wear it to school. It's a nice bonus for the kids for this year."
Approximately 500 kids came to pick up their backpacks from Northwell on Saturday, with the rest being distributed by organizations across New York. The goal is to lend a helping hand to unserved, or disadvantaged families, as well as assist organizations looking to address youth homelessness, foster care, disability, mental health and domestic abuse services.
The backpacks were
packed by Islanders and Rosemont employees on Aug. 26
, as the two organizations are committed to promoting educational initiatives and assisting the next generation. And with the additional challenges the COVID-19 pandemic has presented for the return to the classroom, the Islanders and Rosemont were looking to cross one thing off of parents' to-do list.
"It's been a stressful time for parents, between COVID and financial issues, job insecurity," Curran said. "The fact that the Islanders are taking one problem off the to-do list, making it fun on a gorgeous day with Sparky and fun things to do for the kids, is just wonderful."
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