Queens home care agency gives backpacks to 500 children and extends drive to Guyana
Cottage Home Care Services plans to send school supplies to 200 children in underserved communities in Guyana's Berbice region.
NEW YORK, United States. More than 500 children received backpacks and school supplies at a back-to-school event held by Cottage Home Care Services at Phil "Scooter" Rizzuto Park in Queens on August 22.
The Back-to-School Giveback and Family Fun Day brought together children and families from South Richmond Hill and surrounding Caribbean communities.
Organisers said the aim went beyond school supplies, to give children a positive experience and remind families they are supported.
"This event was about showing our children that their community believes in them," said Navin Shivpal, chief executive of Cottage Home Care Services. "We wanted families to have the supplies they need for school, but we also wanted to create a day where children could simply have fun, feel celebrated and know that people are invested in their future."
A Caribbean neighbourhood
The event carried particular significance in South Richmond Hill and Richmond Hill, where Guyanese and other Caribbean immigrants have built generations of families, businesses and community institutions.
The afternoon featured face painting, balloon twisting, a live bunny show, Zumba, a self-defence demonstration, food and music from a live DJ. Families were also able to connect with community organisations.
Supporters included Don's Coconut, Cinnabon Carvel Hollis, Drink Your Fantasy, The Luxe Library, NYPD Desi and AnnieMohan.
Outreach to Berbice
The agency is extending the programme to Guyana, where it plans to distribute backpacks and school supplies to 200 children in underserved communities in the Berbice region.
"Those backpacks and supplies will go to some of the most underserved communities in the Berbice area," Shivpal said. "The children are waiting for them, and we know they will be very happy to receive them."
The initiative links the Caribbean diaspora in Queens with children thousands of miles away.
Although the agency provides home care services to seniors and families, its outreach is increasingly focused on supporting communities beyond that traditional role.
