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<\/a>VERIZON & PARTNERS ARE giving away free backpacks at various retail outlets on Sunday, July 26, 2026. Photo courtesy of Verizon<\/p>\n
Strategies to Accelerate Revenue Growth<\/p>\n
The Bronx Economic Development Corporation, in partnership with Goldman Sachs, is hosting a free event, \u201cStrategies to Accelerate Revenue Growth,\u201d on Tuesday, Aug 4, at 9 a.m. to noon at Andrew Freedman Home, 1125 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10452.\u00a0\u00a0 Visit https:\/\/bit.ly\/4vNajth<\/a> to learn more.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n National Night Out<\/p>\n Celebrate National Night Out with the 52nd Precinct & partners on Tuesday, Aug. 4, at Poe Park, East 192nd Street and Grand Concourse, Bronx. (Rain location: Monroe University, 2501 Jerome Avenue, Bronx). The annual community-building campaign is designed to promote police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie in a family-friendly setting. All are welcome.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Backpack Giveaway<\/p>\n Verizon Wireless and authorized retailer Round Room LLC will be handing out free backpacks on Sunday, July 26, at 1 p.m. at the following Bronx locations: 940 Southern Boulevard, 2899 3rd Avenue, 64 West 225th Street, and 2169 White Plains Road. (Children must be present to receive the backpacks.)<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award 2026<\/p>\n Are you an aspiring journalist with impactful stories that deserve international recognition? The Thomson Foundation Young Journalist Award 2026 is now accepting applications from talented journalists aged 30 or under reporting from eligible countries. This prestigious competition offers a unique opportunity to gain global exposure, connect with leading media professionals, and advance your journalism career. The deadline is 9 Aug. 2026, and the application link is here: https:\/\/wp.me\/p23f03-mDY<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Back-to-School Giveaway<\/p>\n NYC Parks will host a back-to-school giveaway in the Williamsbridge Oval Park, 3225 Reservoir Oval East, Bronx, Saturday, Aug. 22, from noon to 2 p.m. \u00a0Children must be present to receive free school supplies.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Bronx River Art Center Civic Corp<\/p>\n Join the Bronx River Art Center NYC Civic Corps, a 10-month, paid service term, when you can serve your City, channel your passions, and jump-start your career. Benefits include a $24,500 stipend, a $5,176 educational award, transportation benefits, professional development and more. Apply by July 26 at https:\/\/www.nycservice.org\/national_service<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Free Summer Meals <\/p>\n From June 29 to Sept. 4, between 8 a.m. and 9.15 a.m., even when school is out, anyone 18 years old or younger can still enjoy free breakfast and lunch as part of NYC Schools\u2019 2026 Free Summer Meals Program. Lunch is served between 11 a.m. and 1.15 p.m. You can find these meals at specific places like select NYC Public Schools, community pool centers, parks, and libraries. You don\u2019t need to sign up, show any papers, or have an ID to get these meals. Just head to one of the designated locations. For more information, visit https:\/\/www.schools.nyc.gov\/school-life\/food\/summer-meals<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Share Your Ideas for the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood <\/p>\n NYC Parks is asking residents to share their ideas about how to improve the Williamsbridge Oval Park in Norwood, as well as the reconstruction of the park. A virtual meeting was held June 3 but residents can still provide their feedback via the following link: https:\/\/bit.ly\/4vyaPLK<\/a>. For more information, contact Katerine Borrome at Katerine.Borrome@parks.nyc.gov<\/a> or on (718) 430 1801. You can also visit nyc.gov\/parks under the Capital Project Tracker section.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Fire Safety<\/p>\n Visit https:\/\/www.fdnysmart.org\/<\/a>\u00a0to read FDNY\u2019s fire safety tips. \u201cDuring a fire, always close the door behind you!\u201d fire officials say. \u201cIt helps contain smoke and flames, giving you precious time to escape.\u201d Sign up for a free smoke alarm\u00a0here: https:\/\/bit.ly\/3Qgzvto<\/a>.<\/p>\n The FDNY encourages New Yorkers to use spray caps to open hydrants. \u201cIf you\u2019d like to cool off with a hydrant, make sure you do it safely and legally, using a spray cap,\u201d an extract from the NYC Department of the Environment (DEP) website reads. \u201cWhen hydrants are opened without a spray cap, they can use 1,000 gallons of water per minute (or more), reducing water pressure in the surrounding area, making it harder for the fire department to fight fires when necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Free Legal Services NYC<\/p>\n Those in need of free legal services covering immigration and asylum, rental and housing assistance, tax issues, domestic violence, student debt, and more can call (917) 661-4500 Monday to Friday from 9.30 a.m. to 4 p.m. for help. The service is also available in Spanish.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Literacy & Immigrant Services<\/p>\n NYC Department of Youth & Community Development (DYCD) offer a variety of services including adult literacy, immigrant services, adolescent literacy, English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)\/Civics and more. For more information, call 1-800-246-4646 or email dvcdliteracy&immigrantservices@dycd.nyc.gov<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Options Wellness Center <\/p>\n The NYPD Community Affairs Bureau Youth Strategies Division has an Options Wellness Center located at Bergen Building, 1932 Arthur Avenue, Bronx, NY 10457, for youth aged 12-19 which offers homework help, a tech lab, gaming, music, chess, videography, fitness, art and young men & women leadership training.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n When to Contact 988 <\/p>\n Call or text 988, or visit nyc.gov\/988 for free, confidential mental health support.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Pet Food Pantries of NYC <\/p>\n Pet Food Pantries are available in The Bronx at the following locations: Strong Paw Rescue at www.strongpawrescue.org\/pet-pantry<\/a>, Animal Care Centers of NYC on (212) 788 4000 or at info@nycacc.org<\/a>, and at Church of Saint Helena on (718) 892 7713 or at sthelenarc@yahoo.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Affordable Housing Lotteries<\/p>\n