12th Annual Bronx Back to School Giveaway: A Day of Community and Care at Ferry Point Park
On Saturday, August 31, 2024, the Bronx community came together at Ferry Point Park for the 12th Annual Back to School Giveaway, hosted by Somo Monarks and the New York Honduras Soccer League, Inc. It was a beautiful day filled with joy, generosity, and the spirit of giving back. We’re thrilled to share that we met our goal of distributing 200 backpacks and school supplies to Bronx scholars, helping them start the 2024-2025 school year prepared and confident.
NYHSL is a 501(c)(3) soccer organization based in the South Bronx, providing soccer tournaments and fostering a strong community of Bronx student-athletes and adults every weekend at Ferry Point Park and other local parks.
On Saturday, families not only received essential school supplies but also left with fall and winter essentials such as beanies, gloves, and scarves generously provided by Fordham University.
These items will help keep our community’s children warm as the seasons change, ensuring they’re ready for both the classroom and the colder months ahead.
Our event also featured an Arts and Pollinator Education Station, where kids could relax and learn about the importance of pollinators, especially Monarch butterflies, which are at risk of extinction. Bronx scholars had the opportunity to color designs from our free downloadable collection, available to anyone who signs up for a free membership with Somo Monarks. This aligns with our mission to expand habitats for pollinators, with a special emphasis on protecting the endangered Monarch Butterfly.
Asphalt Green joined us to offer soccer clinics, providing kids with the chance to sharpen their skills while learning about upcoming soccer programs. Their involvement highlighted the importance of physical activity and team sports in fostering healthy lifestyles among young people.
Reflecting on the origins of this event, Willie Alvarez, owner and Chief Creative Strategist at SoMo Monarks, shared a poignant memory: “I remember ripping the used pages from last year’s notebook to kick off the new school year. A plastic bag was my bookbag during those years. Knowing that my mother struggled with five children, I knew other mothers in the world were struggling, which led to the birth of the 1st Annual Back to School Giveaway 11 years ago.”
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the Bronx community for your incredible support. Special thanks to:
Emma Villanueva
Xiomara Arriola
Jessica Hendricks
Surey Imiza Miranda-Alarcón and Fordham University
Zoilo Blas
Jose Rodriguez, VP of New York Honduras Soccer League, Inc.
Oscar Martinez
Ivis Alvarez
Florence Mena Alvarez
Hielly Martinez and State Farm
Analisa Medina
Chance White and family
Asphalt Green
The success of this year’s event is a testament to the strength and resilience of our Bronx community. We want to extend our deepest thanks to everyone who supported us in making this day possible. We wish all scholars a successful and fulfilling school year. Remember, no matter what challenges you face, care for others, and be proud to be from the Bronx.
Support our 13th annual event in 2025!