CAMDEN, NJ — Music was blaring, the grill was fired up and the 1400 block of Princess Avenue was flanked by bouncy houses Sunday afternoon as the Parents for Great Camden Schools’ Block Party got going.
Despite the coronavirus pandemic, the countdown to the first day of school is winding down. While there are still many unknowns, the parent organization on Saturday kicked off what will be a series of events to provide parents with school supplies and other resources.
The events continued today with a book bag giveaway — 100 in all were on hand — in Parkside, complete with music from DJ Ghost, games and free food.
“It’s important the community knows that these kinds of organizations are around help,” Vanesa Serrano, 33, told TAPinto Camden. “Regardless of where your children go, they’re here to help and have a passion for it.”
The North Camden mother, who has lived in the city all her life, has four children - who together attend charter, renaissance and district schools.
Serrano said while she is comfortable allowing her oldest (a LEAP Academy student) to partake in-person classes, she is happy her two youngest (Cooper’s Poynt and ECO Charter school students) will be learning remotely to start the year off.
Over 60 people pre-registered (which was required) to receive a book bag filled with pencils, pens, markers and a folder among other items. Face masks were required for all attendees and temperatures were checked before entry.
In addition to hot grilled food like chicken and hot dogs, water ices were handed out.
“Some will be at home and others plan to attend in-person classes, but regardless we still have the tools and information to help parents in the process. They’re not alone,” said Block Party co-host Josie Ocasio, who worked with Ms. Elanor Venable to organize today’s gathering.
The registration desk also promoted future outdoor celebrations like “Caribeña de Camden” on Set. 4 and “La Borinqueña” on Sept. 12. More information on the festivities will be released online.
“A lot of people are afraid to come out in the community because of COVID but we just want to let them know it’s possible to be in your comfort zone and still enjoy yourself,” Ocasio said.
Today's block party will run through 6 p.m. weather-permitting
Check out the 30-photo gallery above
Find TAPinto Camden on Facebook and Twitter. Download the TAPinto mobile app for Android or iOS
"block" - Google News
August 24, 2020 at 01:29AM
https://ift.tt/34ymxg6
Photos: Non-Profit Hosts Camden Block Party, Book Bag Giveaway - TAPinto.net
"block" - Google News
https://ift.tt/309gigV
Bagikan Berita Ini
0 Response to "Photos: Non-Profit Hosts Camden Block Party, Book Bag Giveaway - TAPinto.net"
Post a Comment