Thursday, October 1, 2026
Lakeview families will come together for a back-to-school celebration offering free school supplies, backpacks, sneakers, haircuts and braiding, activities and community resources before students return to school.
“Unity in the Community,” presented by Believe at Bellaire and Go Party on Demand, will bring local churches, businesses and organizations together for a six-hour celebration. More than 1,000 backpacks have been collected for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
“The whole community is coming together,” Taya Carter, Believe at Bellaire president, said. “It’s going to be packed with activities from the start to the finish.”
Children must attend to receive backpacks, sneakers and school supplies, with a limit of one of each per child. Supplies will be tailored to different age groups, from notebooks, crayons and pencils to headphones and USB drives. Organizers also plan to give away 100 pairs of sneakers while supplies last.
Free haircuts and braiding will be offered by licensed hair stylists and salon owners. Children receiving braids must arrive with their hair washed and blow-dried, according to organizers.
Activities will include bounce houses, face painting, free food, arts and crafts, a petting zoo and pony rides. A circus will feature aerial acts, juggling and a unicycle in two 30-minute performances. Basketball and soccer clinics and other field games are also planned.
Local first responders are expected to participate. The Nassau County Police Department’s 5th Precinct K-9 unit plans to conduct demonstrations and bring its BearCat vehicle, while mounted police horses will also be present. The Lakeview Fire Department is expected to demonstrate its equipment and water operations.
A dunk tank will feature Nassau County Legislator Carrie Solages, who is expected to take a turn while children try to dunk him.
Prizes will include toys, school supplies and Sprayground backpacks.
The event will feature a live band, music from Go Party on Demand and several local churches. Families will also have access to health insurance information, domestic violence advocates, Nassau County Child ID services, health screenings, caregiver workshops and prayer.
Families who register can secure a backpack and school supplies for pickup between noon and 4 p.m. After 4, remaining backpacks will be available to children on the wait list on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.
Lakeview residents and community partners are organizing the event to connect different parts of the neighborhood. The organizer, who grew up in Lakeview and graduated in 2001, has previously organized similar events in Queens.
“This upcoming event is going to be monumental for the entire community,” Annmarie Medica, CEO for Go Party said. “It’s bringing unity in the community in a way that is transformational.”
Registrartion is required. For more information, visit DontBuyAnySchoolSupplies.EventBrite.com.
