Having the tools to succeed is foundational to any educational journey and it starts with ensuring children can return to school in the fall with the necessary tools and confidence to begin the year on a high note.

As part of National Grid’s Grid for Good, Empowering Futures – One Backpack at a Time, we will provide backpacks, school supplies, personal care items and other essentials to more than 20,000 children across the company’s New York service area in August and September.

National Grid’s back-to-school initiative provides essential supplies at a time when New Yorkers are facing the rising cost of school supplies — nearly $144 per child according to the National Retail Federation. Rising costs of housing, groceries and other essential needs have put thousands of children at risk of starting school this year feeling unprepared and overlooked, and this effort is part of a broader commitment to supporting our communities and our customers.

Empowering Futures – One Backpack at a Time is one small way we’re showing up, as National Grid believes that no child should start school without the supplies they need for success. This bold and innovative initiative is a part of Grid for Good and our mission goes beyond delivering energy – we power possibilities. In addition to the backpack giveaway, National Grid consumer advocates will be available to provide information on energy affordability programs for customers. 

“At National Grid, we believe that every child deserves the opportunity to start the school year with dignity,” said Robert Simmons III, National Grid’s Vice President for US Social Impact and Community Engagement and Executive Director of the National Grid Foundation. “Providing backpacks filled with essential supplies is more than a gesture; it’s a statement that we see their potential and are committed to supporting their journey. Empowering young learners from underserved communities is an investment in the future of our neighborhoods, our workforce, and our world.” 

Backpacks filled with school supplies and personal care items for all K-12 age groups will be distributed at events including:

• Aug. 14: Malone Middle School, 15 Francis St., Malone, in conjunction with the Alice Hyde Foundation and Alice Hyde Medical Center.
• Aug. 16: Palace Theater, 19 Clinton St., Albany as part of the annual Palace Theater Community Block Party, in conjunction with Price Chopper/Market 32, CDTA, and Albany City School District.
• Aug. 20, 1-7 p.m.: Connected Community Schools, 207 N. James St., Rome as part of the organization’s Back to School Bash.
• Aug. 23, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: The Greater Allen A.M.E. Cathedral of New York, 110-31 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, as part of the church’s Back to School Bash.
• Aug. 23, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: Morning Star Missionary Baptist Church, 114-44 Merrick Blvd., Jamaica, as part of its Community Day event.
• Aug. 23, Noon-4 p.m.: Back to School, Stay in School Rally sponsored by NAACP Islip-Smithtown Branch, Alfaro Administration Building, 50 Wheeler Rd., Central Islip.
• Aug. 23, 2-5 p.m.: Calvary Baptist Church, 111-10 Guy R Brewer Blvd., S. Jamaica, as part of the Community Carnival.
• Aug. 27, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: UA3’s Back to School Festival, P.S. 105 The Blythebourne School, 1031 59th St., Brooklyn.
• Sept. 1: Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St., Syracuse, in conjunction with Price Chopper/Market 32 and Wegmans.

In addition, National Grid will donate backpacks and personal care items for distribution to the Back to Basics Outreach Ministry, Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Commission, Queen City Clean Waters, Resource Council of WNY, and T.O.P. Enterprises in Buffalo; Dunkirk City School District; Ogdensburg City School District; and Olean City School District.

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.