PHILADELPHIA,  August 21, 2013 – Hundreds of residents from the neighborhood surrounding Wissinoming Park turned out yesterday for a community picnic organized by state Sen. Christine M. Tartaglione.
The event was the first in the Northeast Philadelphia neighborhood after years of popular events in Norris Square Park.

“State funding cuts are presenting difficult challenges for local schools and families,” Tartaglione said. “The neighborhood picnics bring together local residents and volunteers from community organizations to help get children ready for school.”

Sen. Tartaglione distributed more than 700 backpacks to young students at her Community Picnic in Wissinoming Park this week.

Sen. Tartaglione distributed more than 700 backpacks to young students at her Community Picnic in Wissinoming Park this week.

More than 700 donated back packs were distributed to young students who were also treated to hot dogs, water ice and face painting.

The event comes on the heels of the Norris Square community event which has been held for eight consecutive years.

“The Norris Square picnic has a tremendous turnout each year, but not every family has the ability to get there,” Tartaglione said. “So we decided to expand the outreach to help other families who are getting ready for school.

Like the prior events, the Wissinoming Park picnic involved coordinating numerous sponsors and community partners who donated service and supplies.

“One good thing that came out of the recession was a network of local people and organizations who take pride in helping others,” Tartaglione said. “I think we can continue to build on it to make better communities.

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