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The New York Racing Association (NYRA) has announced the launch of "Students to the Starting Gate," an initiative aimed at providing 500 backpacks filled with essential school supplies to community-based organizations in Queens, Nassau, and Saratoga Counties. On Tuesday (August 26), NYRA staff, along with the Saratoga Race Course mascot, Gallop, will distribute backpacks and school supplies to students at the 2025 Salvation Army Back to School Expo at Saratoga City Center at 5 PM.
Robert Hines, NYRA Community Affairs Manager, emphasized the importance of the program, stating, "Young people deserve the tools to succeed in school, and we hope these contributions will generate excitement for the upcoming school year." Earlier this month, NYRA also provided backpacks to students in the Elmont Union Free School District during an event organized by the Jamaica Square Improvement League. Claudine Hall, President of the Jamaica Square Improvement League, noted, "New backpacks can help children feel confident, especially when they pick it out themselves, which they do."
The initiative is part of NYRA's broader efforts to engage with and support local communities. In addition to the Salvation Army, NYRA is donating backpacks to various non-profit organizations. The final week of the 2025 summer meet at Saratoga Race Course begins tomorrow, with special offers on tickets and hospitality for fans before the meet concludes on Labor Day (September 1).