Councilman Calls Backpack Drive a Success

With 100 backpacks, supplies and a pair of sneakers, Bloomfield Councilman Carlos Bernard spent his Saturday making families happy.

The Third Ward representative spent the day at Milbank Park on north 17th Street in a charity event geared towards children returning to school.

“I picked backpacks because a lot of people are in need,” Bernard said. “A lot of families struggle for the smallest things.”

Bernard said that he was able to hand out 100 book bags donated by township businesses.

He thanked the All Stars Barber Shop, Doug Riders Motorcycle Club, Ash Lounge, the Powerhouse Gym for donating bags. He added that newly opened sneaker shop  Civilized Nation donated sneakers and that the Sunoco gas station on North 17th Street and Councilman Michael Venezia donated drinks and food.

Bernard said the event was the largest he had done and that he planned to work with Bloomfield's Department of Health for fall events, including a turkey drive and a Toys for Tots collection. 

Overwhelmed by the positive response, the Councilman said he hoped it would grow into an annual event. 

“It was really something,” Bernard told Patch. “It made me feel good. “