Parents & Students Attend Backpack Distribution Day
On Monday, August 16, 2026, nearly 250 people visited Fisherman’s Mark on North Main Street in Lambertville to celebrate the start of the school year.
Attendees, who were mostly parents with their children, enjoyed complimentary ice cream and pizza while listening to live music. It was a festival atmosphere, but the main reason they were there was to get school supplies so they could be ready for the academic year.
The annual backpack event was created to help remove barriers and pressure (financial and otherwise) from parents and children so that kids can return to school prepared.
Fisherman’s Mark received all new backpacks this year, because they partnered with local businesses to organize the collection of the supplies. The backpacks were arranged by grade level, and students could choose whichever one they liked. Participants also got a bag filled with provisions: electronics, rulers, folders, pens, pencils, erasers, and more.
Banding Together
Kids enjoyed the festivities as talented teen musicians from the Princeton School of Rock performed new and classic rock songs. Meanwhile, parents could visit Fisherman’s Mark partner organizations to learn about the different types of assistance they were offering.
Hunterdon County Public Health Nursing was on site to answer questions, check blood pressure, and test biometrics (via finger prick) for free.
Mike, a representative from Indivisible Lambertville/New Hope, was connecting people who need rides with folks who can give rides.
“Ride-sharing is a form of mutual aid that can help home-bound people get to the doctor, the grocery store, or wherever they need to be,” Mike explained.
Lock it up Hunterdon works to help people avoid substance abuse. They offered pens, coloring books, frisbees, and calming jars, which are small, clear containers filled with glitter in thick liquid. Combined with deep breathing, the jar can be shaken and observed to help a person de-stress.
Kimberly from Safe in Hunterdon was available to help anyone experiencing domestic violence/sexual assault access a variety of support systems.
Homework Done
Fisherman’s Mark coordinated with local schools to make sure they were providing students with the appropriate supplies per grade level. The result was that K-12 students can now celebrate returning to school rather than stress about it.
“A lot of people come in for groceries, but we provide wrap around services,” said Claire, from Fisherman’s Mark. “We offer case management, and city, county, and state help. Lambertville Academy is under our umbrella. We offer summer camp scholarships. We have our FLY (feed local youth) lunch program, and a mobile market that delivers food to homebound seniors.”
There were around 20 Fisherman’s Mark volunteers at the backpack event. They were happily greeting visitors at the registration desk, distributing school supplies, and handing out slices of pizza. When the community helps our community, it nourishes everyone.
