NORWOOD — There will be no traditional back-to-school event at Norwood-Norfolk Central School due to the pandemic.

“Our BACK2SCHOOL event is different than the others in the area, as it is specifically for families enrolled in the Community Lunch Program For Kids,” said event organizer Wendy Chambers. “Unfortunately, our current venue is not capable of hosting the number of people in an open event.”

Community Lunch Program For Kids (CLPK) provides food to families facing food insecurity when school is closed and the “safety net” of the district lunch program disappears.

Chambers said 68 families with 167 school age kids signed up who will receive socks, sneakers, underwear, backpacks, mini homework kits, hygiene products, brand new books, and winter coats from CLPK purchased through a grant from the Alcoa Foundation.

Norwood Norfolk Raymondville Outreach will provide school supplies. The People Project will offer school supplies and books.

The Norwood Kiwanis Club will provide free food concessions, Stewart’s Shops will provide ice cream. New books will be available from the Friends of the Norwood and Norfolk libraries.

Due to COVID-19, the event will not offer haircuts or clothing.

However, Chambers said all school age children will receive a $10 gift card toward purchasing clothing at Common Cents Thrift Shop in Norwood.

Massena McDonalds also donated a “Happy Meal” gift card for all participants and Massena Price Chopper will donate two sheet cakes wishing everyone their best school year ever.