LIBOR Supports Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ Backpack Pirates Program

Long Island Board of REALTORS® Gives Back to Help Local Children Start the School Year Prepared and Confident

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) recently sponsored and participated in the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ (LICH) annual Backpack Pirates program, helping provide children experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity with the supplies, resources, and support they need to begin the school year prepared and confident.

Held at USDAN Summer Camp for the Arts in Wheatley Heights, this year’s event brought together more than 180 children ages 5–12 for a day filled with recreation, learning, and community connection. Children participated in sports and field games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, theater, archery, dancing, and other activities. Each child also received a new backpack filled with school supplies, along with a new outfit to help them feel prepared and confident for the school year.

LIBOR volunteers were actively involved throughout the event, serving as activity leaders, event facilitators, and support staff for the pop-up boutique, where children could select new clothing, shoes, and bags. Their involvement helped create a welcoming and memorable experience for the children while supporting LICH’s efforts to meet the needs of Long Island families.

“Every child deserves the opportunity to begin the school year feeling prepared, confident, and supported,” said Shaan Khan, LIBOR President. “LIBOR is proud to support the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and the Backpack Pirates program, and we are grateful to our members who volunteered their time to make this day special for so many children. Giving back to the communities we serve is an important part of who we are as REALTORS® and as an Association.”

Backpack Pirates is part of LICH’s Scott Martella Supply Our Students Drive, an annual initiative that provides backpacks and essential school supplies to children experiencing homelessness and housing insecurity across Long Island. The drive, which began in 2004, has distributed more than 20,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in need.

LIBOR has proudly supported the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless for 16 years, helping strengthen programs that provide critical resources and support to Long Island’s most vulnerable residents.

To learn more about the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and how you can support its mission, visit www.addressthehomeless.org.