08/13/2026
The Family Service Association, an Oneonta-based non-profit human service agency supporting individuals and families in meeting their own needs, announces its annual Back-to-School event. The event will take place at FSA’s 277 Chestnut Street location. Each student who comes will be able to select 10 school-supply items, including book bags, as supplies last. Bags of hygiene products will also be made available.
Families can also sign up to receive free sneakers, socks, and underwear to be picked up at a later date--a service made available for children in grades K-5.
This year’s Back-to-School event runs Monday through Thursday, August 24-27, 9:30am--3:30pm, as well as Friday, August 28th, 9am-12pm. All who come are welcome to participate with no income requirement. All school supplies are free. Event participants are asked to complete an information card for their household.
One helpful addition to this year’s event is a partnership with LEAF Council on Alcoholism and Addictions. LEAF plans to have staff lead children’s activities at the event on August 24th and 25th as well as donate school supplies.
“With the cost of living continuing to go up, I’m happy FSA can provide relief for families with our Back-to-School Event, as well as with all of our family services year-round,” said Kaler Carpenter, Executive Director of FSA. “It’s especially rewarding to help families with multiple school-aged children, knowing how expensive it can be to purchase school supplies for everyone.”
Last year’s event served 253 children from 119 households. FSA anticipates greater participation at this year’s event.
FSA is currently accepting donations and school supplies to go towards the event. School supply drop-off sites include The Daily Star, Dante’s Pizzeria, and Soda Jerks. You can contact FSA at 607-432-2870 to learn more about how you can donate and what items are most needed.
Support for this year’s Back-to-School event comes from Sidney Federal Credit Union, thedailystar.com, LEAF, Community Bank, N.A., St. Mary's Church Oneonta, NY, Oneonta Business Woman’s Club, The Otsego County Youth Bureau, The Susquehanna Valley Quilters, and private donations.
Pictured left to right in the attached photo, dated August 6th: Kim Delfalco, Emergency Services Program Manager, Abbie Platt, SUNY Morrisville intern, Kaler Carpenter, Executive Director, and Eileen Mugford, Clothing Program Manager.
About Family Service Association
The Family Service Association was established in 1909. For over a 100 years The Family Service Association (FSA) has been active in Otsego County and surrounding communities helping area residents meet their own needs. FSA offers four programs, the Clothing Program, Emergency Services Program, the Parenting Resource Center, and Training/Employment Programs. In 2025 the agency served over 2,400 people from more than 1,000 households. FSA strives to work collaboratively with the other business, and non-profits in the community.
