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Parents With Kids in School District 30 May be Eligible for Emergency Relief Funds

Photo: Courtesy of NY Kids RISE

April 14, 2020 By Christian Murray

Many parents with children who attend public schools in District 30 have a chance to win a $150 gift card to help cover emergency expenses.

Parents with kindergarten, first grade and second grade children in District 30 schools are automatically in a draw to win the $150 gift cards for emergency relief. There are 1,000 cards on offer, which will be drawn from a pool of about 10,000 eligible families.

There are 39 elementary schools in District 30, which covers the neighborhoods of Jackson Heights, East Elmhurst, Corona, Woodside, Astoria and parts of Sunnyside and Long Island City.

The program is being funded by the nonprofit NYC Kids Rise, the Gray Foundation and Robin Hood. The organizers are asking families who are not in need of the funds to forgo taking the card so less fortunate families are more likely to be selected.

The funds are a continuation of a college savings program that was established in 2017 by NYC Kids Rise. Parents in District 30 schools with kindergarten, first grade and second grade children were given $100 seed money and set up with a college savings account.

There will be an additional 500 emergency cards–also valued at $150– distributed to parents who are part of the NYC Kids Rise program within three dedicated zip codes in District 30—namely 11372, 11368 and 11369. These zip codes incorporate Jackson Heights, Elmhurst and Corona—the three areas hardest hit by COVID-19 where there are many low-income families.

Parents will be notified if they have been selected for the $150 card. The winners are then asked to fill out a form with their contact information and report whether they are in need the card.

The card comes in the form of a Mastercard and can be used for nearly any expense including food, utilities, cleaning supplies and internet access. There are no fees with the card.