I Am Beacon, in partnership with Key Food, proudly hosted the 10th Annual Back 2 School Block Party, a beloved community tradition that serves as both an annual school supply drive and a fundraiser for the Class in a Bag program. Through this initiative, I Am Beacon works directly with the Beacon City School District to ensure students are prepared for their very first day of school.

“This year, thanks to the generosity of the community, I Am Beacon provided 45 fully stocked backpacks through Class in a Bag, serving students in both Beacon and New Windsor.”

— Reuben Simmons, Executive Director I Am Beacon

This year, thanks to the generosity of the community, I Am Beacon provided 45 fully stocked backpacks through Class in a Bag, serving students in both Beacon and New Windsor. At the Block Party itself, more than 130 drawstring bags with starter supply kits were distributed, ensuring even more children started the school year ready and confident.

Class in a Bag Coordinator, Kenya Gadsden, expressed her gratitude: “Thank you for the personalized backpacks, water bottles, and headphones. It shows the thoughtfulness of our community—treating the children of Beacon with the same care as their own.”

I Am Beacon also proudly collaborated with Fareground, donating supplies for their School Supply Giveaway on August 28th. As Executive Director, Reuben Simmons, shared: “Collaborating is part of our mission, and we believe in working together to maximize impact.”

The Block Party was made possible thanks to the generous support of event sponsors: Staples (Wappingers Falls), Mountainview Dental, Beacon Teachers Association, Stewart’s Shops, Salem Tabernacle Church, Fidelis, The Roundhouse, Joker Inc., Beacon Dental, Yanarella School of Dance, and State Farm (Catlin McVicker).

Special thanks also go to our community partners who helped collect supplies leading up to the event: Key Food Marketplace, Fareground, and the Howland Public Library. A heartfelt thank you to Christ Church United Methodist for their generosity and contributions to the drive.

On the day of the Block Party, community organizations came together to engage and uplift attendees, including: Fareground, Compass Arts, Fidelis, Little Preparatory, Mountainview Dental, Beacon Dental, GEMMS, State Farm, Girl Scouts, Conservation Advisory Committee, Les Soeurs Amiables Civic Club, Rise Up, St. Andrew/St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Astor, South Avenue Elementary, Beacon City School District Nurse’s Unit, and the Beacon City School District Transportation Department.

A special shoutout goes to A Little Beacon Blog and the Beacon Teachers Association for their incredible face painting, and to the Newburgh and Albany teams for joining our Beacon Hoops All-Stars on the court.

Looking Ahead: I Run Beacon 5K

“To date, I Am Beacon has awarded $40,400 in scholarships to 50 students in the Beacon community through this event.”

— I Am Beacon

With the success of the Block Party, I Am Beacon is now in full gear organizing the 14th Annual I Run Beacon 5K Walk/Run Scholarship Fundraiser, taking place on Sunday, September 28th at Memorial Park. To date, I Am Beacon has awarded $40,400 in scholarships to 50 students in the Beacon community through this event.