HARTFORD, Conn. — As the time to head back to school approaches, the Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) is stepping in to help parents check off supply lists.
For the last decade, CREC has been hosting a community block party ahead of the new school year. Hundreds come out to enjoy music, activities, food, vendors, and more.
“I’m just in awe and I’ve been here all ten years I’m just so excited,” said Aura Alvarado, director of communications of CREC.
With the help of donors and sponsors, CREC not only offers a fun, family-friendly event but also a place where students, from any school district within the state, can get a free backpack filled with school supplies.
“I’m so grateful to be here,” said Patricia Rosas of Hartford.
When CREC first started handing out backpacks ten years ago, 600 were distributed among the community in just an hour and a half. That’s when staff realized the need was greater, and have increased the number of backpacks given out to 1200.
“The economy is bad. Especially for let’s say single mothers, with two, three, four kids,” said Rosas. “It’s so difficult to get this stuff, so this a great thing that they’ve organized,” she continued.
“We’re really in the community. It doesn’t matter what school you go to. We still all have to be unified, and make sure that our children and our families are ready to start school right with backpacks, school supplies and all the resources that are here for the families to have a successful year,” said Alvarado.
CREC is still accepting donations for those interested. It’s $20 to sponsor a backpack.
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Kaelee Collins is a multimedia journalist for FOX61 News. She can be reached at kcollins@fox61.com. Follow her on X, and Instagram.
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