BY MATT LINDSEY
North Country This Week

OGDENSBURG — Back-to-School events will be held for Ogdensburg district students to prepare students to return to classes this fall.

A Little Something Extra”, Ogdensburg Free Academy’s school pantry is organizing the events.

In response to COVID and attempts to keep crowds small, each school will host their own event. JFK is holding their event today from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Madill will hold their event on Tuesday, Aug. 17, from 5:30-7:30 p.m. OFA is holding their event on Monday, Aug. 23, from 5:30-7:30 p.m.

All events take place in the school gymnasium.

Parents are encouraged to apply online so officials have an idea how many people to expect.

However, no one will be turned away.

“Although attendees were required to sign up to receive supplies, we have packed extra and we will take names of anyone we can't accommodate at the event and their pack can be picked up at a later date,” said Hillary Skelly, the pantry's director.

A COVID-19 vaccination clinic will be held at the high school on Aug. 23 for school children ages 12 and up.

This year is the third year the pantry is sponsoring a “Back to School Event”.

“The primary goal of our event is to get supplies to our students in need,” Skelly said. “In addition to the supplies, the event gets the students excited about the coming school year and gives them a chance to connect with some of the school’s faculty and staff. In addition to supply distribution, our events will offer some crafts, sno-cones, popcorn, book distribution and some representation from our community organizations.”

The pantry provides food, hygiene items, clothing, shoes, coats and more.

“Our pantry provides tangible things but it also fosters relationships,” Skelly said. “The pantry is used by students from many different demographics. Every student at OFA is encouraged to use the pantry. Students might need to access the pantry because they forgot a needed item, forgotten gym shorts or deodorant. Encouraging everyone to use the pantry removes stigma and normalizes asking for help. The pantry is 100 percent funded by the generosity of the surrounding community.”

The pantry was officially created in February of 2016.

Those who need more info can contact hskelly@ogdensburgk12.org.