Queens Center in Elmhurst helped local families get ready for the new school year with its Capes, Crowns and Carnival event on Aug. 26, supporting this year’s revamped School Cents program.

The event bolstered back-to-school shopping with family-friendly programming and opportunities to give back to local schools. Families enjoyed carnival games, music, interactive entertainment and a superhero-themed art activity. 

Volunteers handed out free backpacks to kids.Photos courtesy Queens Center

Kids received a complimentary backpack filled with school supplies, with one available per school-aged child. The first 50 guests who arrived dressed as a superhero or princess also received a special prize.

Ten Queens-based schools are participating in School Cents, which will run through March 31, 2027, competing for a shared prize pool of up to $15,000. It allows shoppers to earn points for participating local schools by uploading receipts through the School Cents app.

Kids dressed as their favorite characters and played games like basketball pop-a-shot.Photos courtesy Queens Center

“Capes, Crowns and Carnival was a wonderful opportunity to bring Queens families together and kick off the new school year with a day filled with fun, creativity and community,” said Dawn Simon, senior manager of marketing at Queens Center. “We’re proud to provide students with backpacks and school supplies while creating a memorable experience for families, and we’re grateful to our partners and everyone who joined us in making the event such a success.”

Attendees shopped for toys and back-to-school items.Photos courtesy Queens Center
A volunteer made cotton candy for attendees.Photos courtesy Queens Center

The event kicked off at 11 a.m. when kids created superhero art from recycled comics, presented by the Social Justice Network and Comic Books for Justice.

Catherine Schuller, core team member of Comic Books for Justice and creator of Power Pieces Heroic Adornment Programs, said she was delighted to see the old comic books provide kids with an opportunity to create something new with their own hands.

“I was so amazed at how excited and willing the kids were to participate in arts and crafts by making Power Pieces with my old, rescued comics,” Schuller said. “The engagement of the parents and children was extremely heartwarming because the parents were as into it as the kids. And everyone walked away with something they created themselves.”

The event even featured a special visit from Spider-Man and Queen Elsa from Frozen, who interacted with kids dressed as the iconic characters.
Queen Elsa from Frozen made a special appearance at the event.Photos courtesy Queens Center
Spider-Man showed kids in costumes how to pose with confidence.Photos courtesy Queens Center

“The event was so much fun!” said Kiara Jeaudi, a volunteer and educator at the center. “Queens Center did a great job getting the kids excited about going back to school and helping them get prepared with free backpacks and school supplies. I am thankful to be a part of the event and see all the wonderful smiles within the community.”

A small child received a brand new backpack during the giveaway.Photos courtesy Queens Center
A family browsed new backpacks.Photos courtesy Queens Center

Capes, Crowns and Carnival was supported by Elmcor Youth and Adult Activities work with families across Queens providing resources to the local community.

“Elmcor is proud to partner with Queens Center for Capes, Crowns and Carnival and help our community’s young people head into the new school year feeling supported, celebrated and ready to succeed,” said Saeeda Dunston, CEO of Elmcor. “We’re grateful to Queens Center for continuing to invest in local families and for creating a fun way to bring our community together.”

A crowd of attendees picked out new backpacks ahead of school starting.Photos courtesy Queens Center