Watertown partners provide school supplies, shoes to about 70 young people

Samaritan Medical Center, Shoemanitarian and the Watertown Urban Mission held a back-to-school event Aug. 23 at Zoo New York, providing about 70 children and young adults with shoes, sweatshirts, socks, shoelaces and school supplies.

Participants also received drawstring backpacks, while children and their families were given free zoo admission. Organizers said families who could not attend will be contacted so the children can receive their items. Samaritan said the event is intended to become an annual Watertown-area tradition.