NY State Senator Kevin Parker was thrilled to welcome a long line of students and parents last Saturday at his 17th Annual Harvest Fest Back-to-School celebration in Paerdegat Park on Albany Avenue.

The lawmaker took the opportunity to meet and greet the youngsters at the event that handed out more than 1000 backpacks brimming with vital school supplies, and flyers on topics like bullying and safety, needed to start the new academic year right.

The students who proudly showcased their colorful school bags as they were being photographed with Sen. Parker, were assured that they would have an enthusiastic experience during the day’s festivities that included board games, a dance competition, yoga, and a fitness exercise.

Kids enjoy a creative exercise sponsored by CABS Health Network, at Senator Kevin Parker’s 17th Annual Back-to-school festival in Paerdegat Park, on Aug. 24.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

The back-to-school initiative is hosted year after year, to reach families, many who are disadvantaged, and find it difficult to purchase school supplies due to the rising cost of much needed items for learning and success.

The joint venture with amazing organizations, such as Our Lady Charity Food Bank, a Glenwood Housing initiative sponsored by Director Angel Hendy, Con Edison, Emblem Health, Girls with Knowledge, Planet Fitness, HealthCare Choices NYC, Inc., NYC Children, the Board of Election, Sesame Flyers International Inc, iFetayo, Stuy Park Lions Club, Lucky Tiny Tots Daycare Spectrum, Make My Day NYC, Brooklyn Public Library, among others, who supported the effort.

In addition to live music provided by high-spirited DJ International Skully, students received snacks and gifts, and participated in a painting class conducted by CABS Health Network to inspire inventiveness, while parents took home bags loaded with groceries.

Kamla Millwood, author, founder and Palatial Publishing LLC, served as emcee at Senator Kevin Parker’s 17th Annual Back-to-school festival in Paerdegat Park, on Aug. 24.Photo by Tangerine Clarke

Thanks to the invaluable help from Legislative aides Tara Reid, Press Secretary Jaukia McConeyhead, and Author and Founder of Palatial Publishing LLC, Kamla Millwood who served as emcee, the sunning afternoon’s event was a total success.

Senator Parker who represents State District 21, which consist of diverse communities, East Flatbush, Flatbush Kensington, Ditmus Park, Midwood, Flatlands, Canarsie, Georgetown, Old Mill Basin, Bergen Beach, and Marine Park, and is a ranking member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, spends much of his time developing programs to create opportunities to keep the community safe.