Every year, the Episcopal Diocese of New York raises funds and fills backpacks with back-to-school supplies, so every child can start their school year with celebration and joy.
This year, for some children in our community, going back to school means more than just a new backpack and a fresh start.
One in five people arrested by ICE in NYC since February 2026 are children. Just in July 2026 175 children were arrested by ICE in New York City. (Source: The City Reporter) There are 1,400 unaccompanied minors and youth in New York State currently facing active removal proceedings. (Source: NY Governor’s Office)
Fear should never be the reason for an empty desk.
Every child deserves to get to school safely. Every child deserves to walk into a classroom with a backpack filled with the supplies they need, a sense of belonging, and the freedom to learn, grow, and thrive.
This year, in addition to raising funds for back-to-school supplies, Diocese is also donating part of the funds raised to Safe Passage, a children’s immigrant rights organization that supports undocumented immigrant children, and several other church-based programs, to help make that possible.
$40 can fill a child’s backpack with the school supplies they need for the year.
$100 fills two and helps a family learn their rights
$250 can cover the filing fee for a petition for special immigrant juvenile status.
Your support helps us to meet our goal – 400 backpacks and 20 filing fees by September 15.
Any amount helps a child know that their community sees them, believes in them, and wants them to thrive. We are grateful for your support. Together, we can make sure every child has what they need to begin the school year, so that fear never gets the final word.