Woodhull Medical Center held a back-to-school festival to give back to local communities that were deeply impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The hospital said that it is giving away a thousand backpacks filled with supplies to local students.

Staff at the hospital say they were hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. They wanted to help families who were already struggling financially. They managed to get supplies such as pens, pencils, notebooks and more donated to local families who lined up around the block hoping to get their hands on these critical items.

Woodhull staff say they are honored to help out.

The event is also a way to address gun violence, according to the hospital. It is in honor of Tiarah Poyau who was shot and killed during J'ouvert in 2015. Her family says the Canarsie resident was enthusiastic about giving back during her life. 

“School was always first which is why my foundation is based on schoolwork and kids and you know, making sure they stay in school and do what they have to do like she did,” says Vertina Brown, mother of Tiarah Poyau. 

This is one of several events that the hospital has held for the community.

New York City Public Schools will reopen for the fall on Sept. 13.