NEWARK, NJ — The memory of a beloved police officer in Newark is being kept alive through an annual back-to-school supply drive, which had another successful year in 2026.
The fourth annual Back-to-School Book Bag Drive was held in honor of Ricardo Barbosa, who worked as a police officer in Newark's Ironbound neighborhood for years, including time spent as a school resource officer.
Barbosa made the well-being of Newark's youth a priority, and a foundation launched in his name – the Ricardo J. Barbosa Foundation Inc. – is dedicated to carrying his "legacy of kindness" forward. This has included the annual donation drive, which distributed 762 bookbags filled with essential school supplies this year to students in Newark and the surrounding area.
Since the foundation's inception in 2023, a total of 1,808 book bags have been distributed.
The foundation also works to boost local families through winter gear distributions, hygiene drives, holiday giving and community partnerships. Learn more here.
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