Syracuse , NY (NCC News) – Rochester’s mayor office and tech company Amazon, teamed up to give-away a 1,000 backpacks to children in need as school rolls back around. The event was held on Sunday, at Dr. Samuel McCree Way.
Area and engagement manager Blake Noble-Quinones said there were some amazing volunteers who showed up. Amazon, the mayor’s office, George Mather Forbes School No. 4, along with a fraternity who directly volunteers with the school, were all present to help distribute the backpacks in a organized, safe fashion via a drive-thru.
Coordinator of the event and teacher leader at School no.4, Kimberly Winfrey, said the City of Rochester initiated the event by asking School 4 if they’d be interested in collaborating with Amazon. Winfrey acknowledged it was an easy yes for the school.
“(In) School 4 we have very strong community partners,” said Winfrey, “From Greek fraternities and sororities, we partnered with Aenon Baptist Church around the corner,” she added.
“All we had to do was make a few calls and we had plenty (of volunteers) and plus our wonderful staff at School 4,” said Winfrey.
The event helped schools specifically in the south region of the city. For instance, School No.4, 9, and 11 were the focus, along with seven others in the district.
This isn’t the first time Amazon has held an event for/with the City of Rochester. Quinones said they hold events in which they try to give back to the community. “Whether it’s volunteering and giving our time, or things like this (backpack give-away),” said Quinones, “We try do an event quarterly, where we’re helping out in the community.”
