SCPD makes community relations fun for local students at Back-to-School Supply Giveaway

The parking lot of Pickleball Express in Islip, located at 181 Freeman Avenue, was taken over by the Suffolk County Police Department’s Back-to-School Supply Giveaway on the morning of Saturday, Aug. 31 from 9 to 1 p.m.

Thanks to the generosity of local collaborating businesses Pickleball Express and Hummus Fit, plus kind donations from residents of Suffolk County, students were given the necessary school supplies to help them be successful this school year.

“We took donation bins and dropped them in different spaces all over Suffolk County, and a lot of the supplies inside the actual book bags were donations from the community as well,” explained officer Karl Allison, who played a big role in planning the event. “The final count was a little over 400 bookbags, and 150 shopping bags filled with school supplies, too.”

In addition to the backpack distribution, the event focused on building relationships between SCPD officers and local families. Young students were given tours of SCPD police cars, as well as an Islip Fire Department fire truck.

While a DJ blared pop dance hits to keep spirits high, young students enjoyed face painting and multiple bouncy houses.

Traditional festival food was offered, including popcorn and cotton candy, plus refreshing ice cream from Coyle’s, Starbucks, and healthy snacks from Hummus Fit.

Among organizations and groups with booths were YMCA of Long Island, Gold’s Gym, F45 Training, Islip Town Clerk, U.S. Army, EAC Network, and Youth Enrichment Services Community Mental Health Promotion and Support (YES CMHPS).

Vouchers for free haircuts and manicures were also distributed by Ray’s Barber Shop and Amarfi Studio Nail Designer, both local businesses of Islip Terrace.

“It is important that we as a community bridge that gap [between police and the community], and that we have trust from the community so they know we are here to support them,” said Yasmin Gallant, Latino liaison officer of the SCPD. “We are not just policing, but supporting them in any facet they need. We want them to have good memories and a good school year.”