Free backpacks and school supplies distributed by National Grid for Central New York students.
In a bid to help students face the rising cost of school supplies, National Grid is giving away more than 20,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to children across New York State during August and September 2025. This initiative, titled "Empowering Futures – One Backpack at a Time," is part of the Grid for Good program [1].
The giveaways are happening across National Grid’s New York service area, with specific locations and dates yet to be fully detailed [1]. However, some confirmed events include a Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on Monday, August 25, 2025, from 12 PM to 2 PM at the PEACE, Inc. Westside Family Resource Center, 200 Wyoming St., Syracuse, NY [3][5].
In Syracuse, backpacks will be available at Bethany Baptist Church, 149 Beattie St., in partnership with Price Chopper/Market 32 and Wegmans on Sept. 1 [4]. Meanwhile, in Central New York, the Connected Community Schools, 207 N. James St., Rome, will host a back-to-school bash on Aug. 20, from 1 to 7 p.m., where backpacks will be given away [2].
National Grid will also provide backpacks and supplies to organizations and school districts in Western and Northern New York, although the exact locations and dates for these events have not been specified [1].
The initiative is led by Jared Paventi, a spokesperson for National Grid [1]. For the most accurate, up-to-date information on exact locations and dates for National Grid’s backpack giveaways in New York, it would be best to visit National Grid’s official website or contact their community outreach directly.
This generous initiative aims to ensure that every K-12 student in New York starts the school year prepared, equipped with the necessary school supplies and personal care items. By doing so, National Grid is empowering the futures of thousands of young students, one backpack at a time.
[1] National Grid’s official website [2] Connected Community Schools official website [3] PEACE, Inc. Westside Family Resource Center official website [4] Bethany Baptist Church official website [5] Syracuse.com article on the Syracuse Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway event
(Story by Greta Stuckey)
- Alongside the "Empowering Futures – One Backpack at a Time" initiative, National Grid is also considering promoting a comfortable lifestyle for students by providing resources for home-and-garden improvements, such as sets of gardening tools or study desks.
- To support a well-rounded education-and-self-development for students, National Grid might consider offering educational materials and books, supplementing their school supplies, to engender a love for learning outside the classroom.
