The NYPD Is Handing Out 1,000 Backpacks to School Kids in Bed-Stuy and Bushwick

BED-STUY, BROOKLYN — The New York City Police Department (NYPD)'s 79th Precinct will be handing out 1,000 free backpacks — stuffed with school supplies — to elementary schoolers at P.S. 59 in Bed-Stuy and P.S. 151 in Bushwick this month.

The backpacks will be gifted to kids in pre-K through third grade at a block party-style event with an obstacle course and a climbing wall.

The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation (DRRF) and the Legacy Center New York are sponsoring the event. Officers who worked with Detective Rafael Ramos, who was shot and killed as he sat in his patrol car in December 2014, will be in attendance.

Detective Ramos was also an usher at Christ Tabernacle Church in Queens, where he lead the ministry; a volunteer at the Legacy Center in Bushwick; and a community rebuilder in the aftermath of Superstorm Sandy.

The DRRF was formed to carry on its namesake's legacy of faith and community service, and to help his family keep his memory alive.

This month's backpack giveaway falls directly in line with this mission, according to organizers:

"Education is something that Detective Ramos was very passionate about, as was evident in him being in the top 10% of his police academy class. The event is arranged with the sole aim of improving community and police relations in the areas where Detective Ramos was born, worked and lived with his family."

The Bed-Stuy giveaway takes place Thursday, Sept. 15, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m., at P.S. 59 William Floyd School, 211 Throop Ave. The Bushwick giveaway takes place Friday, Sept. 23, from 8:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., at P.S. 151 Lyndon B. Johnson School, 763 Knickerbocker Ave.

Here's the schedule for both events:

8:30 a.m.: Speakers

• Opening prayer: Reverend Rafael Castillo, Teaching Pastor | Christ Tabernacle Church
• Welcome: Maritza Ramos, President | The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation
• Remarks: Chief Jeffrey Maddrey, Commanding Officer PBN | NYPD
• Remarks: Deputy Inspector John Chell, Commanding Officer | NYPD 79th Precinct
• Remarks: Dr. Dawn Best, Principal | P.S. 59 William Floyd School
• Remarks: Jordan Durso, Executive Director | The Legacy Center
• Presentation: Youth Drill Team | The Detective Rafael Ramos Foundation
• Benediction: Reverend Rafael Castillo | Christ Tabernacle Church

8:55 a.m.: Field Day Activities

• Obstacle course | Egg races | Double Dutch
• NYPD Rock climbing wall
• NYPD Emergency Services Unit
• NYPD Mounted Unit
• Dance competition: D.J. Al leading NYPD, Foundation, and Legacy volunteers in a dance competition with Mario, Luigi and students

10 a.m.: Backpack Giveaway

Lead image by Symphoney/Flickr