The Roosevelt Island Operating Corp (RIOC) Public Safety Department together with the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) are hosting their annual Back To School Giveaway Friday August 29 at Good Shepherd Plaza. According to RIOC:
Dear Roosevelt Island Community:
Summer is drawing to a close and that means the school year is right around the corner!
Come join RIOC/PSD, the Roosevelt Island Disabled Association (RIDA) and NYPD for an evening of music, treats, and fun as we distribute free backpacks and school supplies to island residents.
This year’s Back to School Giveaway will be held at Good Shepherd Plaza on Friday, August 29th, starting at 5PM. Children must be accompanied by a guardian at the event.
We look forward to seeing everyone then!
-PSD
During the July 22, 2025 Roosevelt Island Public Safety Community Engagement meeting, PSD Chief Kevin Brown reported:
… August 29th is probably one of my favorite days. We have a Back To School Book Bag Giveaway on Roosevelt Island. I’ve done it the last three years, and we’ve given away over 400 book bags on the plaza. It’s a fun day…
RIDA President Wendy Hersh, PSD Chief Kevin Brown and volunteer Roosevelt Island resident Frank Farance report on the 2023 Roosevelt Island Back To School Giveaway.
Here’s more on the NYC Back To School Backpack Giveaway program.