Free Back-to-School Supplies Distributed in Queens Community Initiative

NEW YORK: A free back-to-school supply distribution program was held Sunday afternoon in Jackson Heights, Queens, as part of a community initiative organized by Immigrants International Inc.

The program began at 5 p.m. at Diversity Plaza in Jackson Heights, bringing together immigrant families from Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal and other countries living in Queens.

Justice Thomas Raphael attended the event as the chief guest. Attorney Moin Chowdhury was also acknowledged with special appreciation for his support.

Among those attending were Tarikul Islam Mithu, executive director of American Bangladeshi Community Help Inc.; Mohammad Javed Uddin, general secretary of Astoria Welfare Society; M.A. Salam; and other community leaders, journalists, social workers and local residents.

Children from immigrant families waited in long lines to receive essential school supplies for the new academic year. Organizers said school supplies were distributed free of charge to more than 200 people.

Moin Chowdhury, chairperson of Immigrants International Inc., described the initiative not as a charity program but as a community celebration.

“This is not a donation; it is a community festival,” Chowdhury said. “Children are the future of our society. They learn by observing the positive work taking place in their community, and such initiatives can help develop a spirit and habit of community service among them.”

He said the main objective of the program was to stand beside children and help make the beginning of their educational journey more enjoyable. He also said similar programs would be organized on a larger scale in the future.

Community leaders welcomed the initiative, saying programs that bring together people from different countries and cultural backgrounds can strengthen cooperation, mutual understanding and harmony within New York’s diverse immigrant community.