NY1's latest Queens People of the Week are "acing" it when it comes to helping those in need prepare for the school year. Leisha Majtan introduces us.
Tammy Castellano has fallen on hard times.
She's in between jobs and is currently living in a homeless shelter with her son.
"This is a place we don't want to be but we need to be right now," said Jamaica resident Tammy Castellano.
As Castellano's son was getting ready to start the new school year -- one thing he didn't have to worry about was school supplies.
And it was all thanks to the non-profit organization, the "Showing Hearts Foundation."
"It's a fantastic feeling that there are people out there that do care about other people," said Castellano.
Volunteers from the Foundation recently handed out more than 300 free backpacks filled with notebooks, pencils, rulers, and crayons.
The Jamaica non-profit is dedicated to helping people and other organizations in the neighborhood.
"Growing up in this community, I know this community can sometimes get forgotten about so we just wanted to let the kids know that they're not forgotten about, we do care," said David Tanis, the founder of the "Showing Hearts Foundation."
Organizers say they're not just preparing kids for the upcoming school year, but also for their futures.
"I just basically want to show kids in the community that you can do it too," added Tanis. "Educating and empowering comes from within, so ultimately we're giving back to this community to teach and mentor other kids within the community so it can be an ongoing process. Together we can change the world."
An example Castellano is also trying to set for her son, despite their tough times.
"You always have to show your children to help others," said Castellano.
And so for helping start the school year off on the right foot, David Tanis and the volunteers with the "Showing Hearts Foundation" are our Queens People of the Week.