BETHLEHEM, Pa. — A line of families stretched outside the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley on Monday morning.
Kids waited eagerly to pick out new backpacks — some in bright colors, others packed with pencils, notebooks and folders — for the first day of school.
Now in its third year, the Hispanic Center’s Back-to-School event gave away 500 backpacks and school supplies for school-bound students in kindergarten through high school.
Local barbers and stylists also volunteered their time to give free haircuts, while kids enjoyed face painting by makeup artist Kim Einsla.
Micaela Hood
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LehighValleyNews.com
Both inside and outside the East Fourth Street community hub, families found 22 vendors and community organizations offering resources — double the number from last year — in what Raymond Santiago called “relationship building.”
“Over the past year, we’ve had more organizations approach us, wanting to partner and get involved,” Santiago, who was chosen the center’s executive director in August 2023, said.
“That networking allowed us to bring them all together today to share resources and make sure families are supported.”
With offerings as diverse as health services and financial literacy programs, the vendors represented a wide range of community partners.
This year’s community sponsors included Unity Bank, Highmark Health, Zoellner Arts Center, Walmart Distribution Center and Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor.
Domino parks, dancing
This summer, DLNHC partnered with the Hispanic Center to learn from Latino residents which outdoor activities and amenities would make the D&L Trail and nearby city parks feel more welcoming.
To gauge their thoughts, at Monday’s event, families were handed a survey written in both English and Spanish — to fill out in exchange for a chance to win a $25 Visa gift card and dry bag for hiking and outdoor activities.
“We’re close to this community, and people must see themselves in the trail. And that means asking directly: What do you want to see? What would make you want to spend more time outdoors?”
Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Conservation Manager Brit Kondravy
Their responses ranged from the practical — bilingual signs to help people navigate the trail and understand the rules — to cultural, such as adding domino tables in parks.
“Domino tables may seem like such a simple thing, but it makes people feel at home,” Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor Conservation Manager Brit Kondravy said.
“We’re close to this community, and people must see themselves in the trail.
“And that means asking directly: What do you want to see? What would make you want to spend more time outdoors?”
Beyond improving amenities, residents shared other programming ideas — including live music, dancing and group bike rides.
“We don’t want these conversations to be one-and-done,” Kondravy said. “This is about creating spaces that reflect the people who live here.”
Micaela Hood
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LehighValleyNews.com
Helping families year-round
Founded in 1968, the Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley offers programs for seniors through its Basilio Huertas Senior Program, along with a food pantry, the St. Luke’s Hope Clinic and Cultural and Linguistic Workforce Development Center.
“When a child walks into school with a new backpack, they feel ready. But just as important, families walk away knowing this community stands with them, not just today, but all year long.”
Hispanic Center Lehigh Valley Executive Director Raymond Santiago
Along with the Back-to-School event, the center also holds a toy drive and Christmas party for families every December.
As kids of all ages left the center with their new supplies — sporting spiders, butterflies, cats and bright-colored flowers on their faces — Santiago smiled.
“When a child walks into school with a new backpack, they feel ready,” he said.
“But just as important, families walk away knowing this community stands with them, not just today, but all year long.”