LIBOR Sponsors Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ Backpack Pirates Program

Long Island Board of REALTORS® (LIBOR) proudly sponsored and participated in Long Island Coalition for the Homeless (LICH) Backpack Pirates program. This annual initiative provides children living in homeless shelters on Long Island with a memorable summer camp experience while supplying them with the necessary supplies and confidence to start the school year successfully.

This year’s event was held at the Dorothy P. Flint 4-H Camp in Riverhead, offering the perfect backdrop for an action-packed day of recreation, learning, and community connection. More than 180 children, ages 5–13, enjoyed a full schedule of activities including sports, field games, arts and crafts, treasure hunts, a theater performance, archery, swimming at the beach, DJ-led dancing, and more. Each child left with a brand-new backpack filled with school supplies and a new outfit—items that can help set the tone for a positive and prepared school year.

LIBOR volunteers played an active role throughout the day, serving as event facilitators, beach supervisors, activity leaders, and support staff for set-up and clean-up. Their participation helped ensure a smooth and engaging experience for all attendees, creating a welcoming environment and lasting memories for the children.

“There are more than 10,000 children on Long Island experiencing homelessness or living in unstable housing,” said Mark Donnelly, President of LIBOR. “Backpack Pirates offers these children an extraordinary day of joy and connection; while also providing them with the tools and encouragement they need to begin the school year with confidence. LIBOR is proud to support LICH in this important work and to join with others in our community to help create brighter futures.”

Backpack Pirates is part of LICH’s SOS: Supply Our Students Back to School Drive, a long-running initiative that distributes thousands of backpacks and essential school supplies to children in need each year. LIBOR has been a proud supporter of LICH for 15 years, helping expand the reach and impact of programs that serve Long Island’s most vulnerable residents.

Later this year, LIBOR will also sponsor Long Island Coalition for the Homeless’ 40th Anniversary Celebration – “40 Years: A Legacy of Serving Homeless Long Islanders,” honoring the organization’s decades of advocacy, outreach, and service.

For more information on the Long Island Coalition for the Homeless and opportunities to support its mission, visit www.addressthehomeless.org.