Linden Mayor's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway

The parking lot of School No. 1 in Linden filled with families on August 21, picking up free backpacks, bouncy houses, pizza, hot dogs, and ice cream ahead of the new school year. The Mayor's 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway brought together city departments, community organizations, and residents for a dry, sunny afternoon.

Mayor Derek Armstead attended and spoke to the spirit of the event. "We know that during these tough economic times every little bit helps," he said. "It's our way of giving a little something back, taking a little pressure off the parents and the households and plus we just enjoy giving anyway. It's a good thing to be able to give."

The event was co-hosted by the Mayor's Youth Commission, Communities In Cooperation, Inc., and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Linden Fire Department, the Linden Police Department, and Prevention Links all participated. Members of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated were on hand to help residents register to vote and to share information on local youth programs.

Sandra Jackson, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator, has been helping host the giveaway since 2015. "God gave us a beautiful day, there's no rain," she said. "Families are coming out, they're getting a beautiful, good quality backpack to get the kids in the mood for going back to school." Jackson said she regularly receives calls and emails from residents thanking her for the backpacks.

Linden firefighters Daniel Stanley and Daryl Roberts attend the event every year. Both are also involved during the school year with fire drills and teaching fire and home safety. "It's been amazing to see all these kids ready to start the new year of school," Stanley said. Roberts added: "It's exciting that we get to be in the community. We live here, we work here, so it's always an enjoyment."

Stanley noted the year-round connection the firefighters build with children. "It's very rewarding when we're going food shopping, and we're not in our uniforms and the children recognize us, and they say, 'Ah there's the fireman.' So it's very rewarding to give back to the community."

Two Linden residents spoke about what the event meant to them. Marisa Mendez, who relocated from New York, attended with her autistic son. "I've never seen something like this where the community actually gets together, so it's amazing," she said. "My son is autistic and there's so many different activities. And he's accepted. He's accepted in a lot of things compared to New York."

Abosede Adeleye came with two children. "We are so happy because we receive a lot of things, and so much information too," she said. "So thank you, Linden. Thank you, Linden Public Schools, thank you so much. It makes me feel like I belong. We're so thankful."

Union County Life covers Linden community events and city programs. Find more Linden news on Union County Life.

FAQ

Q: What is the Mayor's Backpack Giveaway?
A: It is Linden's annual community event providing free backpacks and supplies to students ahead of the new school year, supported by city departments and community organizations.

Q: When was the 13th Annual Backpack Giveaway held?
A: The event took place on August 21, 2026, at School No. 1.

Q: Who attended the event?
A: Families from Linden came to pick up backpacks, enjoy food, activities, and community connection before the school year started.

Q: What did families receive?
A: Free backpacks, bouncy houses, pizza, hot dogs, ice cream, and information about voter registration and local youth programs.

Q: Who organized the giveaway?
A: The Mayor's Youth Commission, Communities In Cooperation Inc., and the Department of Parks and Recreation co-hosted the event.

Q: Which city departments participated?
A: The Linden Fire Department, Linden Police Department, and Prevention Links all participated and volunteered their time.

Q: How long has the Backpack Giveaway been happening?
A: This was the 13th annual event, showing it is an established tradition.

Q: Does Sandra Jackson work on this event every year?
A: Yes. Sandra Jackson, Parks and Recreation Special Events Coordinator, has been helping host the giveaway since 2015.

Q: What did residents say about the event?
A: Two residents shared their appreciation. Marisa Mendez praised the community coming together and the acceptance of her autistic son. Abosede Adeleye thanked Linden and said the event made her feel like she belongs.

Q: What is the connection between firefighters and the community?
A: Firefighters Daniel Stanley and Daryl Roberts attend the giveaway every year and are involved year-round with school fire drills and fire safety education, building lasting connections with children.