School No. 4 helps families gear up for new school year
Maria Torres · Union County Life
Linden School No. 4 hosted a successful back-to-school giveaway on August 19 and 20, 2026, supporting families as students prepared to return to classrooms on September 2 for the 2026-27 school year. More than 130 families participated over the two-day event, collecting uniform pants, backpacks, and school supplies.
Principal Suzanne Olivero noted that the strong turnout reflected both the needs of families and the generosity of community partners supporting the school. Several organizations stepped forward to contribute meaningful resources. Lift Up Fitness donated 30 backpacks filled with school supplies. Linden-based nonprofit Youth Legacy Leaders contributed 100 backpacks and supplies. Phillips 66 provided 300 pairs of uniform pants, offering substantial support as Linden Public Schools prepares for its second year of district-wide student uniforms.
Families visited School No. 4 over the two days to select items for their children. The accessible distribution model allowed families to choose what their children needed most. Olivero emphasized that the effort aimed to ease the back-to-school burden on families and help students feel prepared and confident as they return to school.
Community partnerships strengthened the impact of the giveaway. When organizations like Lift Up Fitness, Youth Legacy Leaders, and Phillips 66 align their resources with school needs, families receive both practical support and a message that their community cares about student success.
Union County Life covers Linden schools, community programs, and family support initiatives. Find more Linden events, businesses, and local news on Union County Life.
Photo Credit: Linden Public Schools
FAQ
Q: What was the Linden School No. 4 back-to-school giveaway?
A: It was a two-day community event on August 19-20, 2026, where more than 130 families collected uniform pants, backpacks, and school supplies to prepare for the 2026-27 school year.
Q: How many families participated?
A: More than 130 families participated in the giveaway over the two days.
Q: What items were distributed?
A: Families received uniform pants, backpacks, and school supplies selected for their children's needs.
Q: Which organizations donated to the giveaway?
A: Three organizations contributed: Lift Up Fitness (30 backpacks filled with supplies), Youth Legacy Leaders (100 backpacks and supplies), and Phillips 66 (300 pairs of uniform pants).
Q: Why are uniforms important to Linden Public Schools?
A: The 2026-27 school year marks the second year of district-wide student uniforms in Linden Public Schools. The uniform donation helped families access required clothing.
Q: When do Linden students return to school?
A: Students are scheduled to return to classrooms on September 2, 2026, for the 2026-27 school year.
Q: How did Principal Olivero describe the event?
A: Principal Suzanne Olivero noted that the strong turnout reflected both the needs of families and the generosity of community partners supporting the school. She emphasized that the effort aimed to ease the back-to-school burden on families.
Q: Where can families find more information about Linden schools?
A: Contact Linden School No. 4 or visit the Linden Public Schools district office. Union County Life covers Linden schools and community program.
Related articles
Berkeley Heights School News This Week: BOE Meeting Thursday, Fall Sports Openers Begin
Berkeley Heights schools prepare for new school year. New principals and staff welcomed. Board of Education meeting and fall sports season underway.
One Linden Welcome: New Non-Certificated Staff Get a Roaring Start
Linden Public Schools welcomes new support staff at August 27 orientation. District to open September 2 with 6,272 students from 30+ countries.
Backpacks and Beyond: Linden Turns Support Into Action
Linden Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway August 21 2026. City Government and Public Schools support families. School supplies, resources, community event.
Get Union County news in your inbox
Subscribe for local headlines, town updates, and community stories from across Union County.
Sign up for the newsletter