Fun, games and food — all for the children of Rochester.

"A good time for the kids to have fun and enjoy themselves,” said Albert Algarin, North Clinton Avenue Business Association president.

The North Clinton Avenue Business Association says that’s exactly what they wanted — because a lot of kids don't have the means to go on vacation.

“So this is something that they can come in and have a good time and enjoy themselves and the parents, so I think it’s a great thing that this is happening,” said Algarin.

Many of the parents Spectrum News talked to are happy about the back-to-school event considering the area it's in.

"In this neighborhood, it’s kind of great for the kids because what goes on around here is not the usual,” said Brooke Gonzalez, of Rochester.

This park on North Clinton Avenue is usually littered with discarded needles and volunteers often spend the weekend cleaning it up — not Thursday night though.

"For the children especially, this is wonderful because you know the way the world is today,” said Robert Hill, of Rochester. “I’m just enthusiastic about the fact that the community came out in support of one of the greatest endeavors from children to go back to school and to make sure that everybody has that opportunity.”

The business association says the back to school party and school supply giveaway was also a way of saying thank you.

“We believe because we understand how blessed were are and we understand their parents are the ones who are keeping us in business, so I think that we have to give something back,” said Algarin.