Neighborhood Services
Excellence Community Schools and the FACE Team partner with community organizations to help share cultural events, food support, clothing & toy drives, and other services with our community. Below are just some of the upcoming events and opportunities available to our families.
Upcoming Events
Check back for more upcoming events.
Past Events
2026
Good morning STEP Scholars, Parents & Families!
The Proyecto Access Hostos STEP Team is excited to share that the application for our 2026 Free IN-Person Summer Program is Now Open! Apply here.
Do you have a New York State 7th-11th grade student?! Apply to our 2026 STEP Summer Program!
The STEP In-Person Summer 2026 Program begins on July 7th, 2026 and runs until August 5th, 2026. We have a new & improved schedule as well as new classes and research topics!
We look forward to seeing you all during the summer for our free STEP Summer 2026 Program!
Join Excellence Community Schools at the Bronx Week Parade!
Dear Excellence Community Schools Families,
We are excited to invite you and your family to march with us in this year’s Bronx Week Parade on Sunday, May 17, 2026!
Bronx Week is a proud tradition that celebrates the vibrant culture, talent, and spirit of our borough—and we want our Excellence Community Schools community to show up strong and represent!
📍 Parade Location: Mosholu Parkway starting at Hull Avenue to Van Cortlandt Avenue East
📅 Date: Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 10am
🎉 Who Can Join: All ECS scholars, families, and staff
This is a wonderful opportunity to:
- Celebrate our students and families
- Show your school pride
- Connect with the broader Bronx community
- Enjoy a fun and festive day together
We encourage all families to come out wearing your school colors, including gym uniform t-shirt or sweatshirt, or the uniform polo and bring your energy and excitement as we march together in unity and pride!
Please register here:
Bronx Week Parade & Festival 2026 Sunday, May 17, 2026 at 10am – Fill out form
Let’s come together and demonstrate the excellence, strength, and joy of our ECS community. We can’t wait to see you there!
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Come support Excellence Community Schools on Sunday, May 17 at the Bronx Week Parade & Festival...
Come say "hi!" We'll be at the Excellence Community Schools booth on Saturday, April 25 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We'll be on 188th Street between Grand Concourse & Valentine Avenue. We'll have surprises...
Dear Neighbor,
The Office of Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson invites all Bronxites to join us for a special evening of fellowship, reflection, and community at our annual Bronx Ramadan Iftar: Unity in Diversity.
During this sacred month of Ramadan, we come together to break bread, celebrate our rich diversity, and strengthen the bonds that unite us across all faiths and cultures.
Doors Open: 3:30 PM
Date: Thursday, March 5, 2026
Program Begins: 4:00 PM
Iftar (Breaking of Fast): 5:52 PM
Location: Bronx Borough Hall – Rotunda
851 Grand Concourse
Bronx, NY 10451
This meaningful gathering will bring together community leaders, faith-based partners, and residents from across the borough for an evening centered on unity, respect, and shared humanity.
All are welcome. Please register here: BRONX BOROUGH PRESIDENT VANESSA L. GIBSON RAMADAN IFTAR DINNER
2025 Holidays
Stamford Excellence Toy Drive
December 1-18, 2025
Christmas Tree Lighting
Dec 9, 2025, 5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Marcus Garvey Square
3500 White Plains Road (Under the 2 train)
Presented by council member Kevin C. Riley & Mosholu Preservation Corporation
Come enjoy some hot chocolate, sorrel, holiday tunes, bear making, face painting, gift raffle, and light the tree up with us.
Children are welcome to bring handmade ornaments to add to our community tree.
Holiday Jazz Night Under the Direction of Christopher Palmer
Wednesday, December 10, 6:30 PM
Mind Builders Creative Arts Center
Come swing into the season with jazzy takes on your favorite holiday tunes. Enjoy a special performance by the Mind-Builders Stage Band, with possible guest appearances from other music students and faculty.
Free event. Space is limited. Click here to RSVP: https://www.vancoevents.com/us/events/landing/60712
Winterfest Fair & Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony
Thursday, Dec 11, 2025, Pre-Mosholu Lighting at 5 PM, Tree Lighting from 6 PM - 7 PM
Mosholu Parkway & Bainbridge Avenue
Presented by: State Senator Gustavo Rivera, Bronx Community Board 7, and Future of Mosholu Parkland
Come and enjoy this year's Winter Wonderland featuring hot chocolate & apple cider, holiday treats, snowflake making, pine code bird feeder activities, special entertainment, and the superb tree lights!
Holiday Toy Giveaway
Friday, Dec 12, 2025, 4 PM
177 Dreiser Loop, Bronx, NY 10475
First come, first serve. While supplies last.
For more information, call (718) 547-8854 or email senatorbailey@nysenate.gov
Winter Wonderland - 4th Annual Community Holiday Party & Toy Giveaway
Saturday, Dec 13, 2 PM - 4 PM
Bronx River Art Center (BRAC), 1087 E. Tremont Ave,
Enjoy an afternoon of food, music, dancing, and holiday cheer.
Toys are first come, first served. RSVP (718) 579-6990 or bx06@cb.nyc.gov
Holiday Toy Giveaway
Sunday, Dec 14, 2025, 3 PM - while supplies last
Presented by Pelham Bay Little League & Softball
Join us for music, cookies, and hot chocolate.
For more information, contact Erika, 917-530-5201
2680 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10461
pelhambayLL2@gmail.com
Kwanzaa Community Events Week
Tuesday, Dec 16 - Thursday, Dec 18, 2025
Location: Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center, 3415 Olinville Ave, Bronx, NY 10467
Join us at Mind-Builders for free, feel good events for all ages celebrating community, culture, and togetherness.
Limit space. For more schedule of events and to RSVP, go to mind-builders.org or call (718) 652-6256.
Soul Santa is Coming to Town - Toy & Coat Giveaway
Thursday, Dec 18, 5 PM - 7 PM
Mount Vernon City Hall, One Roosevelt Square, Mount Vernon, NY 10550
Music, candy & cookies, hot chocolate, and more
Holiday Toy Giveaway
Friday, Dec 19, 2025, 6 PM
177 Dreiser Loop Auditorium
First Come, first serve. While supplies last.
Each child must be present.
Performance by "Music with a Message"
Presented by council member Kevin C. Riley & Co-Op City
Accessibility requests & accommodations can be requested by contacting Kevon Bolt at (718) 684-5509 or D12Events@council.nyc.gov at least three business days before the event.
Our Kwanzaa: Story, Song, Spirit
Friday, Dec 19, 6 PM - 7:30 PM
Location: Mind-Builders Creative Arts Center
Join us at Mind-Builders for an intimate Kwanzaa celebration that honors our ancestors and lifts up the strength, creativity, and unity of the Mind-Builders Community. Through story, music, and moments of reflection, we will embrace the core principles of Kwanza and the joy of coming together. This special gathering is for families of all ages to connect, commemorate, and be inspired.
Free event. Space is limited. RSVP required.
Holiday Toy Giveaway
Saturday, Dec 20, Noon
Northeast Bronx YMCA
1250 E 229th Street, Bronx, NY 10466
Music, raffle prizes, food.
RSVP required: www.bit.ly/YMCAToyGiveaway25
Child must be present. While supplies last.
Toy Giveaway Event
Tuesday, Dec 23, 4 PM - 6 PM
Oyate Group Headquarters, 276 Grand Concourse, Bronx, NY 10451
For ages 5-14
We’re excited to invite you and your family to our upcoming Toy Giveaway Event! This special event is our way of spreading joy and supporting families in our community.
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Limited to 1 toy per child and 3 toys per family
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All children must be present and accompanied by an adult to receive a toy
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Toys are available while supplies last and will be distributed on a first come, first served basis
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Please bring a bag to take your toy home
2025 Thanksgiving
Thanksgiving Food Distribution
Saturday, Nov. 15, 1 p.m.
FREE Turkeys & Halal Chicken, Groceries & Fresh Produce, and more...
Sonia Sotomayor Community Center
1000 Rosedale Ave, Bronx, NY 10472
First Come, first serve, while supplies last. Please bring a cart.
For more info, call (347) 709-3179 or email info@caribbeanequalityproject.org
Thanksgving Turkey Distribution
Thursday, Nov. 20, 3 p.m.
National Council of Negro Women Child Development Center - North Bronx
4035 White Plains Road, Bronx, NY 10466
First come, first serve, while supplies last
Please bring your own bag or cart to carry distibuted goods.
Accessinilty requests & accomodations can be requested by contacting Kevon Bolt at 718-684-5509 or D12Events@council.nyc.gov at least three business days before the event.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Thursday, Nov. 20, 4 - 6:30 p.m.
Life Together Works NYC
They’re giving away FREE Thanksgiving turkeys to families in our community. Come by, pick up a turkey, and share the joy of the holiday with your loved ones. Supplies are limited, so arrive early!
More information: https://lifetogetherfellowshipny.subspla.sh/y6wpfr7
All Together Healing Inc. and ASPIRA Food Drive Event
Friday, Nov. 21, 5 - 7:30 p.m.
ASPIRA of New York, 345 Brook Ave.
Free
All Together Healing Inc. and ASPIRA of New York are teaming up to make sure everyone in our community can join in our food drive. Sign up to be a part of it! We’ll have some snacks and drinks while they last, and registered guests get priority. Don’t forget to bring your ID and be ready to fill out some forms.
For more information, visit eventbrite.com/e/all-together-healing-inc-and-aspira-food-drive-event-bronx-ny-tickets-1755038470309.
Co-Op City Thanksgiving Giveaway
Monday, Nov. 24, 2 p.m.
Bartow Mall (behind the mall)
Asch Loop & Adler Place, Bronx, NY, 10475
Please bring your own bag or vart to carry turkeys and any other goods.
Accessibilty requests & accommodations can be requested by contacting Kevon Bolt at 718-684-5509 or D12Events@council.nyc.gov.
Annual Turkey Distribution
Monday, Nov. 24, 5:30 p.m.
Office of Assemblymember Karines Reyes, R.N.
1973 Westchester Ave, Bronx, NY 10462
First come, first served, while supplies last.
Thanksgiving Turkey Giveaway
Tuesday, Nov. 25, 10 am
Northeast Bronx YMCA
1250 E 229th Street Bronx NY 10466
RSVP Required - While Supplies Last
Prease brong your own bag or cart to carry turkeys and any other goods.
Please RSVP by calling 718-684-5509 or emailing D12Events@council.nyc.gov
Navigation
Summer Resources
Kindergarten through 4th grade families: Activate your child’s free NYC Scholarship Account! nyckidsrise.org/activate
Food Support
Our FACE Team is partnering with pantries to ensure no family goes without food. Find local food resources:
Winter Information
Stay SAFE & WARM
Stay SAFE & WARM This Winter
With the winter weather comes some safety challenges. Here are some tips to ensure your home is #FDNYSmart and prepared throughout the colder months:
Space Heaters
- Always use certified space heaters and ensure they are placed on flat, non-flammable surfaces.
- Keep them at least 3 feet away from flammable materials, like curtains, furniture and bedding. Give space heaters space.
- Never leave a space heater unattended.
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Plug the heater directly into a wall outlet and never use an extension cord or power strip.
Carbon Monoxide Awareness
- Install working carbon monoxide alarms on every level of your home, particularly near sleeping areas.
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Never use an oven or stove to heat your home.
Shoveling Snow
- Warm up with some light stretching before going outside.
- Dress in layers and wear boots with good traction to prevent slips and falls.
- Use a lightweight shovel and push snow instead of lifting whenever possible.
- Take frequent breaks and avoid overexertion.
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Stay hydrated, even in cold weather.
Candle Safety
- Use flameless candles whenever possible. If using traditional candles, keep them in sturdy holders and away from anything that can catch fire.
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Never leave candles burning unattended or within reach of children and pets.
Other Safety Tips and Information
- Be sure to stock up on winter essentials, including flashlights, batteries, non-perishable food and bottled water.
- Create a family emergency plan and ensure everyone knows what to do during a fire or severe winter storm. Check on elderly and vulnerable neighbors.
- Keep fire hydrants clear at all times. Buried hydrants can cause critical delays, increasing the danger and difficulty of fighting a fire. Make sure to clear snow and ice from fire hydrants after storms.
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Make sure your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are working, and test them monthly.
For more winter safety tips visit https://www.fdnysmart.org/winter-safety/
Get Paid - Emergency Snow Shoveler
Become a paid Emergency Shoveler to help remove snow and ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and other public areas.
Due to blizzard conditions in the current winter storm, pay for this weather event starts at $30 per hour and increases to $45 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week.
To be eligible, you must be:
- At least 18 years old
- Eligible to work in the United States
- Able to perform heavy physical labor
To register, workers must have:
- Two original forms of ID, plus copies (if possible)
- Social Security card
- Walk-in registration is now available from 9 am – 8 pm at Sanitation garages.
For more information, visit: https://www.nyc.gov/site/dsny/careers/civilians/emergency-snow-shovelers.page
Cold Weather & Fire Safety
Cold Weather & Fire Safety
Please practice fire safety during cold weather:
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Use space heaters with extreme caution. Keep them at least three feet away from anything that can burn.
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Plug space heaters directly into a wall outlet. Do not use extension cords or power strips.
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Turn off or unplug space heaters when leaving the room or going to sleep.
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Never use stoves or ovens to heat your home.
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Check smoke alarms and carbon monoxide detectors and replace batteries if needed.
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If you smell gas or a carbon monoxide alarm sounds, leave immediately and call 911.
More information:
http://fdnysmart.org/winter
http://nyc.gov/beready
Code Blue
If you see anyone at risk—especially individuals living on the street—please call 311. During a Code Blue, shelter is available citywide for anyone brought in by outreach teams. Accommodations are also available for walk-ins.
What Is a Code Blue?
A Code Blue Weather Emergency is issued when temperatures are expected to reach 32°F or below between 4:00 PM and 8:00 AM, including wind chill.
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No one experiencing homelessness and seeking shelter during a Code Blue will be denied.
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If you see someone out in the cold, call 311 and an outreach team will be dispatched.
Code Blue Services Include:
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Shelters: Available system-wide via outreach teams and walk-ins.
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Drop-In Centers: Operate 24 hours during Code Blue and assist as many people as possible.
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Street Outreach: Teams proactively contact vulnerable individuals and transport them to shelter. DHS coordinates efforts with DSNY and NYC Parks.