The days leading up to the fall school semester can prove very stressful for parents, with many scrambling to buy school supplies for their children. The Ortiz Family, a group of outgoing residents in Walden, simplified this process during its sixth annual Help Kids Thrive Back to School Drive Giveaway, hosted on August 22 in Wooster Grove. Between 12 p.m. and 5 p.m., the Ortizes handed out backpacks full of school supplies to families in need, helping children prepare for the upcoming school year.

Over the last few months, the Ortiz Family has purchased and collected hundreds of backpacks and school supplies. Several businesses and organizations also sponsored the giveaway, whether by donating supplies or setting up donation boxes at their locations. By August 22, the Ortizes collected 300 backpacks and stuffed them with school supplies for all grades, from kindergarten to senior year high school.

The sponsors for this year’s giveaway included The Barber Lounge, Franco’s Pizza, Hannaford in Walden, The Major General Irene Trowell - Harris Chapter of Tuskegee Airmen Inc., Margarita’s Unisex Hair Salon, Stop and Shop in Montgomery, United Way of Dutchess-Orange Region, United Way of Poughkeepsie, Upper Cutz Barbershop, and the Walden parks and recreation department.

Starting at noon, families arrived at Wooster Grove and lined up to receive backpacks. They also enjoyed food from Franco’s Pizza, ice cream from Stewart’s Shop, snacks from an unspecified local food distributor, and tattoos from Lily Stewart. By 5 p.m., the Ortiz Family handed out over 200 backpacks, capping off another successful giveaway.

“It’s been going well, we prepared more backpacks than last year and people have been taking them,” said Carolyn Ortiz. “A lot of people came earlier, it’s slowed down but they’re still coming.”

“We’re very pleased with the giveaway so far. We have a lot of people helping us,” said Mercedes Ortiz. “We’re also glad we can get kids excited for the school year.”