Thousands of families lined up outside the Community Outreach Center on Sunday as the organization held its first-ever Back-to-School Supply Giveaway, providing thousands of bags filled with brand-name school supplies to children across Rockland County.

With lines growing quickly outside, the event began a half hour early outside the COC Community Center at 21 Remsen Avenue. Families from throughout the 97th Assembly District and beyond continued to arrive throughout the afternoon.

Under the direction of COC Executive Director Rabbi Hersh Horowitz and with the support of Assemblyman Aron Wieder, volunteers spent the afternoon handing out bags to children preparing for the new school year.

The giveaway was made possible through a grant secured by Assemblyman Wieder in partnership with the Community Outreach Center. Each bag contained over $50 worth of top-quality, brand-name supplies from Crayola, BIC, Elmer’s, Expo, Staples, Zebra and others. In addition to Sunday’s community distribution, bags will also be provided to students in need in public schools across the 97th Assembly District.

Rockland County District Attorney Tom Walsh and Ramapo Town Supervisor Michael Specht joined Assemblyman Wieder and Rabbi Horowitz at the event, helping hand out bags and greeting families.

“This is exactly why I ran to represent this district,” said Assemblyman Wieder. “To champion initiatives that directly help families. Nothing is more important than ensuring every child in the 97th District starts the school year prepared, confident, and with the quality supplies they deserve to succeed.”

“We are grateful to Assemblyman Wieder for securing the funding to make this possible,” said Rabbi Horowitz. “We opened our doors to everyone in the community. No child should start the school year without the basics.”

Organizers said turnout far exceeded expectations, with a steady flow of families until the final bags were handed out.

Rabbi Horowitz thanked event-day sponsors Westchester Medical Center, Orange Bank & Trust, TD Bank, Rockland Kosher, Interstate Toyota, Evergreen Kosher Supermarket, The Monsey View, Light It Up and RiteCare for their support.