The New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC), an umbrella organization representing more than 200 immigrant advocacy groups across the city, will host a back-to-school family resource fair in Jackson Heights this Sunday, offering free school supplies for students and connecting immigrant families with a wealth of resources.

The third-annual “Key to the City” back-to-school resource fair, organized in partnership with Council Member Shekar Krishnan and Paseo Park, is scheduled to take place from noon to 3 p.m. between 93rd and 94th Street on the 34th Avenue Open Street on Sunday.

The event aims to connect local residents with nonprofits specializing in education, healthcare and immigration law. Attendees will also receive access to free food and essential supplies during the event, which will also feature live music and dancing in a celebration of local culture.

Caterina Cundari, who manages Key to the City events at NYIC, said Sunday’s event aims to support immigrant communities but stressed that is open to “any and all New Yorkers.”

“Our goal is the capture anybody that’s in the neighborhood,” Cundari said. “Based on the demographics of Jackson Heights, we can expect that there is going to be a large immigrant population. But anybody that’s in the right place at the right time on Sunday will be eligible to receive free backpacks, free groceries, free clothing, free books, you name it.”

Cundari added that New York’s immigrant community is living in “constant fear” amid an uptick of immigration enforcement since President Donald Trump took office in January 2025, stating that many immigrant New Yorkers are deterred from performing daily tasks.

Key to the City events aim to meet immigrant New Yorkers “where they’re at,” she added.

“That’s the goal: to provide access to resources and services in their area and make them assessible in their language,” Cundari said.

All free backpacks at Sunday’s resource fair will include Know Your Rights materials advising local residents of their rights if they encounter immigration enforcement. The material will also feature a free immigration legal consulation forms and back-to-school health guides.

Resource fairs like Key to the City can help empower immigrant New Yorkers by providing strength in numbers, Cundari said.

“It’s important to continue doing this work in a visible way,” she said. “By making it public and having 25+ organizations tabling in a fun, welcoming environment… it really adds to the safety component of the event. IF community members see their neighbors hanging out on the street, they’re more likely to join.”

Organizations such as the New York Legal Assistance Group (NYLAG) and New York Health + Hospitals will be providing free consultations and resources at Sunday’s event, while Public Health Solutions will be on site to provide information about Medicare, Medicaid and other health programs.

Krishnan, meanwhile, said the event offers “hope” to the local community at a time when many are living in fear over a surge in ICE raids in the surrounding neighborhoods.

“I’m always proud to support NYIC’s Key to the City event on Paseo Park, an event that highlights what makes Jackson Heights so special,” Krishnan said in a statement. “As Donald Trump and ICE stoke fear in our communities, Key to the City provides community, hope, and essential back-to-school supplies for our community. Jackson Heights will always stand united to ensure that everyone has the resources they need to thrive in New York City.”