NYU Lutheran Family Centers, Brooklyn Cyclones host back-to-school blast

NYU Lutheran Family Health Centers teamed up with the Brooklyn Cyclones for a back-to-school extravaganza that made closing out the summer a blast.

In celebration of the 2016 National Health Centers Week, NYU Lutheran hoped to raise awareness for the mission and accomplishments of health centers with a beautiful day in the park filled with giveaways for the upcoming school year.

Martin Luther Playground, Second Avenue between 55th and 56th Streets, was overwhelmed with joy, music and overall a sense of giving back to the community on Thursday, August 25.

Families lined the length of the playground in anticipation of their share of the free school supplies being distributed. Costco Wholesale contributed a multitude of brightly-colored backpacks filled with academic essentials. The Brooklyn Nets sponsored the back-to-school blast by providing pencil cases, rulers and pens. The strongest sponsor presence was from the Brooklyn Cyclones, who aside from donating notebooks, hats and pens, actually came to the park to greet the children, get involved, and hand out complementary tickets and baseball cards. The Cyclones’ mascot, Sandy the Seagull, stole the show by capitalizing on photo opportunities with the children.

“It’s been fun to be in New York City. Obviously there’s a good energy around here and it’s always good to give back, especially to the hospital. The kids are fun, it’s cool to see the culture of New York, there are all types of people here.” said Brooklyn Cyclones catcher Anthony Dimino.

The perimeter of the park was bordered with stands set up by organizations that set up shop to support the cause. The New York City Department of Sanitation, the NYPD, the American Cancer Society, the Brooklyn Public Library, Healthplex, the HomeBase Program, the Boy Scouts and Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield all added to the festivities with their own child-friendly activities and handouts.

Dr. Cecilia Praetorius of Healthplex offered dental check-ups for children, rated their hygiene on a scale of 1-10 and suggested follow up appointments be made with that office. Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield crafted an assortment of colorful balloon swords and even hosted a series of Zumba demonstrations to get the kids active while Brooklyn Public Library gave temporary tattoos.

By 3 p.m., over 200 backpacks were sent home with children now completely prepared to start school on the right note.

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