Strength in Community: Celebrating the 13th Annual Back-to-School Giveaway
On Saturday, August 23, 2025, the Bronx community came together at Ferry Point Park for the 13th Annual Back to School Giveaway, hosted by Somo Monarks and the New York Honduras Soccer League, Inc. It was a day filled with joy, generosity, and the powerful spirit of giving back.
We’re proud to share that thanks to the incredible support of our community and partners, we met our goal of distributing 200 backpacks and school supplies to Bronx scholars, helping them step into the 2024–2025 school year prepared and confident.
The New York Honduras Soccer League (NYHSL), a 501(c)(3) soccer organization based in the South Bronx, continues to foster a strong community through weekend soccer tournaments at Ferry Point Park and other local fields. Their partnership has been a driving force in creating meaningful opportunities for Bronx families year after year.
This year’s giveaway went beyond school supplies - families also enjoyed our Arts and Pollinator Education Station, a space where Bronx scholars could relax, create, and learn about the vital role pollinators play in our ecosystem. Children had the chance to color designs from our free downloadable collection, which is available to anyone who signs up for a complimentary Somo Monarks membership.
The station tied directly to our mission of expanding pollinator habitats, with a special focus on protecting the endangered Monarch butterfly. By combining education, creativity, and environmental awareness, we aimed to spark curiosity and inspire the next generation to care for both their community and the planet.
This year, families received essential school supplies thanks in part to Fordham University, who once again joined us in making the event special with their generous backpack donations. Their continued support helps ensure Bronx scholars are prepared and ready to start the school year strong.
Reflecting on the origins of this event, Willie Alvarez, owner and Chief Creative Strategist at Somo Monarks, shared a poignant memory: “I remember ripping the used pages from last year’s notebook to kick off the new school year. A plastic bag was my bookbag during those years. Knowing that my mother struggled with five children, I knew other mothers in the world were struggling, which led to the birth of the 1st Annual Back to School Giveaway 12 years ago.”
We would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to all our sponsors, donors, volunteers, and the Bronx community for your incredible support. Special thanks to:
Emma Villanueva
Xiomara Arriola
Noa Alvarez
Jessica Hendricks
Surey Imiza Miranda-Alarcón, Maria and the Fordham University family
Analisa Medina
Jessenia Villanueva
Zoilo Blas
Jose Rodriguez
Oscar Martinez
Andra Roig
Anatolia
Maria
Riverside Futbol Club
The success of this year’s event reflects the strength, resilience, and unity of our Bronx community. We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed to making this day possible. As a new school year begins, we wish all our scholars success and fulfillment in their journey. No matter the challenges ahead, continue to care for one another and take pride in being from the Bronx.
Proud fathers, proud community.