Staten Island I.S.72 Student Organizes Backpack Giveaway Event For Local Kids With Raffle Surprise – All Are Welcome: UPDATED

12-Year-Old Staten Island Student Ambassador Leads Back-to-School Giveaway for Local Children

I.S. 72 student Tamir Lewis combines youth leadership, entrepreneurship and community service to help students start school prepared.

See below for a video containing an interview with Tamir, scenes from the event, and the presenation of a certificate by Assemblymember Charles D. Fall. Video and photos provided by Damian (Waldo) Cassadine, with Asm. Fall’s presentation filmed by Tamir’s mom:

Editor’s note: Local politicians, The Stapleton Corps of the Salvation Army, and local businesses are stepping up to make sure students whose families are struggling are able to return to school prepared, with the supplies and backpacks they really need.  This Saturday, the final backpack giveaway of the season will be hosted by a 12-year-old student from Intermediate School 72, in the Heartland Village area. For those of us who also went to that same school, as well as for everyone on this island, this civic-minded student is an inspiration, showing clearly that you are never too young to help out in your own community.  There is always something that can be done, and youth are finding ways to step up and participate in building a more compassionate, caring world – the kind of world they would like to see this world become when they do grow up and take their place in it. You can see other kids also doing amazing things on the Disney Channel’s Citizen Kid program, and the Star 99.1 Superstar Kid of the Week program is also a way to recognize local kids doing good in their communities.  

STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – At just 12 years old, Tamir Lewis is already showing that community leadership has no minimum age. The I.S. 72 student and school ambassador is bringing local families together for Tamir’s Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway on September 2 at 1:00 p.m. at 100 Beach Street on Staten Island.

The event will provide free backpacks and school supplies to students while supplies last. Fifteen students will also receive special Sprayground backpacks through a free raffle. No purchase is necessary, raffle quantities are limited, and event materials state one raffle ticket per student.

Tamir is smart, innovative, ambitious and deeply community-minded. His involvement extends beyond school. At some local basketball games, he operates a small selling station offering drinks and ices, developing his entrepreneurial skills while staying connected to his neighborhood.

Community service is also a family value. Tamir’s mother, Katima Caldwell, is actively involved in the community and supports her son’s growing commitment to helping others. Tamir and Katima have previously participated in a 121 Precinct backpack giveaway, helping serve local families.

Local businesses and community organizations are supporting Tamir’s latest effort as well. Sprayground and Parkhill Clothing donated backpacks for the giveaway, while Shawnae House, UAME Church, Oznico, and a host of others from the 122 Committee Board also contributed donations and support. Bari’s Pizza is donating pizza pies for the September 2 event. Together, these supporters have helped turn Tamir’s effort into a true community-wide initiative for local children.

Tamir’s giveaway is a positive example of youth leadership: a middle-school student using his ideas, energy and initiative to make the beginning of the school year brighter for other children. Families are invited to attend, receive supplies while available, enjoy pizza and celebrate the start of a new school year.

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At the event, Tamir Lewis, age 12, an I.S. 72 student and school ambassador, will be supported by his mother, Katima Caldwell, community members and local businesses.

Tamir’s Back-to-School Backpack Giveaway: free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, plus a free raffle in which 15 students will receive special Sprayground backpacks. Sprayground and Parkhill Clothing donated backpacks; Shawnae House, UAME Church, Oznico, and a host of others from the 122 Committee Board also donated and supported the event. Bari’s Pizza is donating pizza.

About Tamir and his family:

Tamir Lewis is a 12-year-old Staten Island student at I.S. 72 who serves as a school ambassador and is developing a strong interest in leadership, entrepreneurship and community service.

Described by his family as smart, innovative, ambitious and caring, Tamir loves his community and looks for ways to participate in it. At some local basketball games, he sets up a small station selling drinks and ices – an early example of his entrepreneurial drive and willingness to work.

That same initiative extends to helping others. Tamir and his mother, Katima Caldwell, have taken part in community activities including a 121 Precinct backpack giveaway. His September 2 giveaway builds on that spirit by helping students obtain backpacks and school supplies before returning to class.

Banner Image: Event flyer. Image Credit – Tamir Lewis