Some NYC students lack basic school supplies ahead of first day of classes

GOWANUS, Brooklyn (PIX11) -- Mayor Eric Adams said New Yorkers must step up and help the thousands of children living in shelters as the school year begins.

It comes as teachers said they are inundated with children who lack even basic supplies— especially with the migrant crisis having ballooned the shelter system in size.

One elementary school teacher at P.S. 124 in Gowanus, Brooklyn, which is right next to a shelter, posted a plea on the community site Nextdoor for supplies for her many students living in shelter.

“The reality is, everyone needs to chip in,” the mayor said when PIX11 News told him about the post. “Hats off to that individual who posted about what they’re doing, and hats off principals and teachers. We have a lot of principals and teachers who have volunteered to step into the moment.”

Adams acknowledged this is a challenging time and his team said city schools often work with nonprofits and religious groups to fundraise and gather supplies around this time of year.

However, Adams said with the city having already spent billions on the migrant crisis, this is not something the government can solve alone.

“This is a real call for all New Yorkers,” he said. “When we go to buy for our children, pick up three or four different items and bring them to the shelter. Buy that windbreaker, buy that pair of sneakers. We have spent $5.6 billion on this crisis and we all need to step up and help.”