2026 Back-to-School Drive Supports More Than 200 Children in New York City Foster Care

Catholic Guardian Services' 2026 Back-to-School Drive helped provide new backpacks, school supplies, and other essentials to more than 200 elementary school-aged children in its New York City foster care programs, helping them begin the new school year prepared and supported.

Led in partnership with Women in Funds and Back-to-School Drive Co-Chairs Anabelle Perez Gray, Nathali Partyka Zamora, and Maryam Sayyed, the campaign nearly doubled its original fundraising goal in just a few weeks through the support of donors, volunteers, colleagues, and friends.

On August 28, 2026, Catholic Guardian Services' Journey foster care team in the Bronx welcomed children and families for a special Back-to-School distribution. Children selected new backpacks and received school supplies and other resources to help them begin the school year prepared and supported.

The event also welcomed community leaders who joined Catholic Guardian Services in supporting children and families, including New York City Council Member Justin Sanchez, District 17 in the Bronx, and Wendy Hewlett, Chief of Staff to New York State Assembly Member Eddie Gibbs, District 68 in Harlem.

For children in foster care, having the supplies they need for school can provide more than practical support. It can also reinforce a sense of belonging, confidence, and encouragement as they enter a new school year.

As Catholic Guardian Services shared with supporters of the drive: You are worthy. You matter. And there are people standing alongside you.

The Back-to-School Drive is one example of how community partnerships can directly support children and families involved in foster care. Catholic Guardian Services is grateful to Women in Funds, the campaign co-chairs, donors, volunteers, staff, community partners, and everyone who helped make the 2026 effort possible.

New York City public schools begin the 2026–2027 school year on September 10, 2026.

About Catholic Guardian Services

Catholic Guardian Services is a nonprofit social service agency serving children and families across the five boroughs of New York City. The agency provides foster care and adoption services, children's mental health care, family support programs, and services for people with developmental disabilities - licensed and contracted by New York City and New York State agencies - and serves all who need help regardless of faith, race, or background. Sponsored by Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of New York, its roots reach back to 1887, and its legal incorporation dates to 1913. Catholic Guardian Services is headquartered at 488 Madison Avenue, 3rd Floor, New York, NY 10022. Phone: (212) 371-1000. Donate or learn more at catholicguardian.org

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