Free School Supplies and Backpacks for Single Mothers in New York

Last updated: September 2025

This New York–focused guide shows you exactly where to get free backpacks and school supplies fast, what your child is entitled to under federal and state law, and who to call today in your borough or county. Use the emergency quick-start steps first, then work through the sections that match your situation. For anything time‑sensitive, call to confirm current availability before applying through NYC 311 or 211 New York.

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If You Only Do 3 Things — Emergency Actions to Take

• Get on a backpack list today: Email or visit your school’s McKinney‑Vento liaison, and ask for immediate school‑supply support under the law through NYS-TEACHS and your NYC school’s Students in Temporary Housing contact on NYC Public Schools. If you’re in shelter, ask your placement staff to connect you to Operation Backpack NYC. (nysteachs.org)
• Line up food so you can spend cash on supplies: Apply for or check SNAP and see if your kids got this summer’s Summer EBT $120 per child—benefits issued June–fall 2025. If still pending, call the Summer EBT helpline 1-833-452-0096 listed on OTDA. (access.nyc.gov)
• Search same‑week giveaways near you: Check United Way 211 for “school supplies” and your borough library calendars like Brooklyn Public Library, and look at garden events from New York Restoration Project that posted August backpack days across all five boroughs. (211nys.org)

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Quick Help Box — Keep These Handy

• NYC HRA Infoline: 1-718-557-1399 for SNAP, Cash Assistance, One‑Shot Deal, and HEAP in NYC; check status or upload docs with the ACCESS HRA app. (nyc.gov)
• NYS-TEACHS Homeless Education Helpline: 1-800-388-2014 for McKinney‑Vento school rights and help locating your liaison; also see NYSED McKinney‑Vento. (nysteachs.org)
• Operation Backpack NYC (VOA‑GNY): Request backpacks via your shelter or school; learn more on Operation Backpack and NYC Council news backing free supply distribution on council.nyc.gov. (voa-gny.org)
• ActionNYC (Immigration Legal Help): 1-800-354-0365 for appointments; details at MOIA ActionNYC and ACCESS NYC. (home.nyc.gov)
• Utility Shutoff Hotline (State): 1-800-342-3355; general helpline 1-800-342-3377 at NYS Department of Public Service to stop disconnections fast and ask about HEFPA protections; HEAP info at OTDA HEAP. (dps.ny.gov)

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Who qualifies, what to expect, and how to move fast

Most school‑supply help is first‑come, first‑served and limited by donations. Families in temporary housing, on SNAP or Temporary Assistance, or with tight budgets can get help through schools, shelters, nonprofits, and faith groups. If you’re in NYC shelter or doubled‑up, your child has immediate rights to supplies and support under McKinney‑Vento and DOE policy for Students in Temporary Housing—that means you should not be blocked from starting school because you lack supplies. (nysed.gov)

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Quick Program Snapshot (what helps with supplies right now)

According to city and state sources, Operation Backpack served 19,000 NYC students last season; the NYC Council renewed funding in FY26 to keep packs flowing to students in shelter. Always ask your shelter or school to place your child on the current list. (voa-gny.org)

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How to get a free backpack in NYC this month

• Start with your school’s liaison: Email or visit your DOE Students in Temporary Housing (STH) content expert or school social worker listed at NYC Public Schools STH and request supplies under McKinney‑Vento; if you’re unsure who that is, call NYS‑TEACHS at 1-800-388-2014 for the contact. Also contact your borough’s Family Welcome Center for help. (schools.nyc.gov)
• If you’re in shelter: Ask staff to connect you to Operation Backpack NYC; the Council confirmed city support and that every DHS‑shelter student who needed one received a pack before day one in 2025. If your shelter doesn’t have packs, ask for referral to a partner CBO listed by VOA‑GNY or through NYC DSS/DHS press contacts. (council.nyc.gov)
• Hit neighborhood giveaways: Borough libraries and gardens often host late‑August events. Check Brooklyn Public Library’s calendar and New York Restoration Project for scheduled “Backpack Bonanza” dates in your neighborhood. If you are outside NYC or can travel, also check United Way 211 regional pages by county. (bklynlibrary.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your principal for emergency supplies using Title I homeless set‑aside funds documented by NYSED; then call NYS‑TEACHS for help escalating with your district. As a backup, contact Catholic Charities Help Line at 1-888-744-7900 and Salvation Army Greater New York for local pick‑ups. (nysed.gov)

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Your child’s rights at school (and how that helps with supplies)

Under the McKinney‑Vento Act, students in temporary housing have the right to enroll immediately and to get help with transportation and school‑related needs, including basic supplies. Learn the basics at NYSED McKinney‑Vento, and use the parent‑facing page Students in Temporary Housing. If a school is asking for items you cannot buy, ask the liaison to cover them through Title I homeless set‑aside described at NYSED Allowable Expenditures and NYS‑TEACHS Title I guidance. (nysed.gov)

• Key rights include: Immediate enrollment without standard documents; staying in the school of origin when in your child’s best interest; and comparable services and supplies. Confirm specifics by calling NYS‑TEACHS (1-800-388-2014) and reviewing DOE policy A‑780 info. For charter students, transportation and supply rules still apply; see NYS‑TEACHS charter guidance. (nysteachs.org)
• Why schools can help directly: Districts must “set aside” a portion of Title I funds for homeless students, which can pay for school supplies, clothing, or fees needed for enrollment. See NYSED’s Title I Part A guidance and Allowable Expenditures hub and cite these when you request help. (nysed.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the principal—in writing—for a meeting with the McKinney‑Vento liaison; copy your DOE Family Welcome Center and NYS‑TEACHS. If you still hit a wall, call NYSED General Information at 1-518-474-3852 for escalation and document the denial.

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Use food benefits to free cash for supplies

• SNAP (Food Stamps): Apply on ACCESS HRA or statewide via myBenefits; NYC offers phone interviews and document upload. If eligible, benefits arrive within 30 days; some families qualify for expedited service—call HRA at 1-718-557-1399 and complete your “SNAP on Demand” interview at 1-718-SNAP-NOW. (access.nyc.gov)
• Summer EBT (one‑time $120 per child for 2025): Most eligible children get this automatically; many others can apply online until 09‑04‑2025 at OTDA Summer EBT. If you didn’t get a letter or funds, call 1-833-452-0096; benefits continue being issued into fall 2025. (otda.ny.gov)
• WIC (Pregnant and kids under 5): Check eligibility and book an appointment with NYS WIC or call 1-800-522-5006; WIC offers eWIC for groceries plus breastfeeding support. Federal details are at USDA WIC; NYC families can also find local clinics via ACCESS NYC WIC. (health.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: For SNAP or Cash Assistance denials, request a fair hearing on OTDA or call 1-800-342-3334; get help from a benefits counselor at United Way 211 and a case manager via Catholic Charities at 1-888-744-7900. (otda.ny.gov)

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“Do schools provide free meals?” Yes—budget around this

New York now offers universal school meals statewide for 2025–26, so every student can eat breakfast and lunch for free. Learn more on the Governor’s update at ny.gov, and check menus on NYC Public Schools Food. Summer coverage runs each year through Summer Meals; keep an eye on dates and locations. (governor.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Report any issues or missing access to your principal and the DOE Food Service page; call 311 and ask for “School Food.” If you’re outside NYC, contact your district food services office and NYSED P‑12 for assistance. (schools.nyc.gov)

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Table — Who to contact for common roadblocks

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Where to find local giveaways and drives (NYC and beyond)

You’ll see many community giveaways popping up in late August through early September. Search United Way 211 by county and check city calendars like BPL Events; some groups post fixed dates such as NYRP’s Backpack Giveaway series across Bronx, Queens, Brooklyn, Manhattan, and Staten Island gardens. Also watch council‑member pages and CBOs like Rising Ground that run annual back‑to‑school drives. (nyrp.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your borough office through NYC Council for any last‑minute events, contact a nearby Salvation Army community center, and call 211 to locate faith‑based drives happening this week. (salvationarmyusa.org)

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Reality Check — Funding is tight, so plan around it

Supplies are donation‑based. Backpacks at community events are first‑come and often run out in the first hour. NYC shelters and schools work to cover every student in temporary housing, but deliveries happen in waves; keep close contact with your liaison via NYS‑TEACHS and shelter staff connected through Operation Backpack NYC. The number of students in temporary housing has been high (over 146,000 in 2023‑24), so response times vary between districts. (advocatesforchildren.org)

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Application Checklist (printable/screenshot‑friendly)

• Photo ID(s) for you and your child if you have them (school will enroll even without ID under McKinney‑Vento rules; bring what you can; ask the liaison to help get records). (nysed.gov)
• Proof of residence or shelter letter if available; if you’re doubled‑up, ask school for the Housing Questionnaire and use it instead. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Income proof for SNAP/WIC (pay stubs, award letters); or check pre‑qualification on ACCESS HRA or NYS WIC. (access.nyc.gov)
• EBT card and case number if you’re applying for expedited SNAP or asking a CBO to help submit documents. (access.nyc.gov)
• Child’s immunization record if you have it; if not, enrollment still proceeds for students in temporary housing while the school helps with records and shots per DOE guidance on Immunizations 2025‑26. (schools.nyc.gov)

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Waiting for a paper supply list: Email your liaison now via the STH page and get on the school’s internal list and Operation Backpack NYC channel at the same time. Don’t assume one source covers everything. (voa-gny.org)
• Skipping food benefits that free cash: Apply for SNAP and check your Summer EBT status so your limited funds can go toward shoes and supplies. Even a one‑time $120 per child helps. (otda.ny.gov)
• Not asking the school to pay for required items: Title I set‑aside covers supplies for students in temporary housing; cite NYSED Title I Allowable Uses and loop in NYS‑TEACHS if needed. (nysed.gov)

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet (numbers and links)

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How to stop a utility shutoff in New York today

• Call your utility and the state hotline: If you have a 72‑hour shutoff notice, call the DPS Emergency Hotline 1‑800‑342‑3355 and your utility the same day. Ask about medical emergencies, payment agreements, and your HEFPA rights listed by NYS Department of Public Service. (dps.ny.gov)
• Ask about HEAP emergency benefits when open: Check HEAP status at OTDA HEAP; emergency HEAP covered heat‑related shutoffs in 2024‑25 and has specific benefit amounts by fuel—NYC residents can call HRA HEAP via ACCESS NYC HEAP for instructions when the program reopens. (otda.ny.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: File a complaint on DPS’s site, ask for a supervisor, and request a “stay” while under review. Ask a CBO via 211 to help you apply for One‑Shot Deal if the shutoff links to rent arrears or a crisis. (access.nyc.gov)

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Local organizations, charities, churches, and support groups (examples with recent activity)

• Citywide: Catholic Charities Help Line 1‑888‑744‑7900 (ask for school‑supply or clothing supports); Salvation Army Greater New York (find your corps/community center); borough libraries like Brooklyn Public Library events often host backpack or book giveaways in August. (catholiccharitiesny.org)
• NYC garden/park partners: New York Restoration Project ran multiple August backpack events in 2025; follow their page for updated locations in the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn. Community centers like Kings Theatre/KingsCares hosted a Flatbush backpack day with partners. (nyrp.org)
• Shelter‑focused: Operation Backpack NYC (VOA‑GNY) works through shelters and partner CBOs, with ongoing distributions tied to DOE calendars; see the NYC Council press note for 2025 city support. (council.nyc.gov)
• Other citywide drive hosts: Rising Ground (annual drive for families served citywide); borough‑level CBOs and precinct councils showcased on BPL’s calendars with listed giveaways. Use 211 NY to locate the nearest one this week. (risingground.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Call 211 NY and ask for “school supply/backpack” drives within 10 miles; ask about hours and whether children must be present (many require that, as seen on NYRP’s events). (nyrp.org)

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Resources by Region (quick picks)

Use your local 211 page to filter “School Supplies/Backpacks” by date; always ask if a child must be present and whether proof of residency is needed. (211nys.org)

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County‑specific notes that matter

NYC handles shelter‑connected backpacks centrally through Operation Backpack NYC and DOE STH liaisons, while counties outside NYC rely more on donors, 211 networks, and district Title I funds documented at NYSED Title I. On Long Island and in suburban counties, call the county’s 211 line on 211nys.org/contact-us and your district’s McKinney‑Vento contact via NYS‑TEACHS to find county‑run drives and faith partners. (nysed.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school board office for the Title I homeless set‑aside coordinator, and keep NYS‑TEACHS in the loop so your request doesn’t sit.

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Health and school forms: keep enrollment moving

School starts even if you’re missing medical records. DOE guidance says students in temporary housing can enroll while the school helps obtain immunization records; see NYC Immunizations 2025‑26. Statewide rules are listed at NYSDOH School Vaccines. If you need a school physical, ask your school nurse about school‑based health centers (and call 311 for clinic options). (schools.nyc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask the liaison for help scheduling vaccines and a school physical; verify that your child is marked “in process” per DOE immunization pages to avoid improper exclusion. (schools.nyc.gov)

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Diverse Communities — tailored notes and resources

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Ask your school to honor preferred names and safety plans; for legal help and referrals, call ActionNYC at 1-800-354-0365 and link with city services through MOIA. For youth supports, tell your liaison if your child needs counseling or a safe bus route under McKinney‑Vento; ask for language access or TTY via 711. (access.nyc.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask for accessible pick‑ups (curbside, ramps) and request big‑print forms from your school or CBO. For benefits questions, call NYS‑TEACHS and request disability accommodations; for veterans with disabilities in the household, contact the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services at 1-888-838-7697 to stabilize income. (veterans.ny.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: You may qualify for extra supports and case management through the NYS Department of Veterans’ Services (book a benefits advisor) and NYC Department of Veterans’ Services (VetConnectNYC). Ask these offices about emergency grants that can free cash for school needs. (veterans.ny.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: Get free legal screenings with ActionNYC (1‑800‑354‑0365) and statewide referrals via the Office for New Americans hotline (1‑800‑566‑7636). DOE enrollment and supplies still apply regardless of status; your child’s rights under McKinney‑Vento do not depend on immigration status. (dos.ny.gov)
• Tribal‑specific resources: Ask your district about Title VI Indian Education programs and connect with NYSED’s Native American Education Unit via P‑12 to locate supports; supplies can be requested through your McKinney‑Vento liaison and local 211 while you wait for district resources. Link with 211 NY to locate culturally specific groups.
• Rural single moms (limited transit): Ask for mailed or pickup‑window options and use 211 NY to find closer drives at libraries, firehouses, and churches. If your utility risks shutoff, call DPS Helpline at 1‑800‑342‑3377 and apply for HEAP when open on OTDA; request large‑print applications and TTY via 711 if needed. (dps.ny.gov)
• Single fathers: Same school rights and supply access apply. If you’re navigating custody or child‑support forms, call the OTDA Child Support helpline or ask 211 for legal clinics; your child’s McKinney‑Vento protections are unchanged. (otda.ny.gov)
• Language access: Ask for interpretation at your school, district, and city agencies through 311 and ACCESS HRA; ActionNYC offers 200+ languages. If you need large print or braille, request reasonable accommodations explicitly on forms. (access.nyc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Escalate through NYS‑TEACHS and copy your district; for immigrant services, call the ONA Hotline at 1‑800‑566‑7636 and MOIA for city help. (dos.ny.gov)

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Timelines and wait times to expect

If a deadline passes, follow up by phone and email, and copy your liaison plus the Family Welcome Center so there’s a paper trail. (otda.ny.gov)

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Troubleshooting — If your application gets denied

• SNAP/CA denied: Read the notice for the reason, upload missing documents with the ACCESS HRA app, and request a fair hearing at OTDA’s portal within the stated timeframe. Ask a CBO via 211 to help prep. (otda.ny.gov)
• School refuses supplies or enrollment: Email the principal and liaison citing McKinney‑Vento; CC NYS‑TEACHS and your Family Welcome Center. Request “immediate enrollment” and Title I set‑aside support in writing. (nysed.gov)
• Utility shutoff: Call the DPS Emergency Hotline at 1‑800‑342‑3355, ask for a stay while you negotiate, and apply for HEAP when it reopens. (dps.ny.gov)

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Real‑world examples

• Bronx mom in shelter: She asked the STH liaison through NYC DOE’s page and got a backpack via Operation Backpack NYC within a week. The principal used Title I homeless set‑aside to cover planners and a calculator. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Queens mom living doubled‑up: She found a Saturday giveaway on NYRP’s schedule and filled food gaps with Summer EBT so she could buy shoes. (nyrp.org)
• Upstate mom in Albany County: She called 211 Northeast NY and her district liaison via NYS‑TEACHS for a local church drive and school‑funded supplies. (211nys.org)

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Tables — NYC quick contacts by borough

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Extra help that indirectly frees your school budget

• Cash Assistance and One‑Shot Deal: If a crisis bill is eating your budget, apply for Cash Assistance or One‑Shot Deal through ACCESS HRA so you can afford school clothes and supplies. Check benefits and upload docs with the ACCESS HRA app. (access.nyc.gov)
• After‑school programs (free): Free after‑school often includes homework help, snacks, and sometimes supplies. Find programs via DYCD COMPASS and DOE After‑School; call 311 or DYCD Community Connect 1‑800‑246‑4646. (nyc.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work: Ask your school counselor for a supply closet referral and check United Way 211 for a CBO that supports your school.

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FAQs (New York‑specific)

1. How do I get a backpack if we’re doubled‑up and not in shelter: Ask your school’s McKinney‑Vento liaison through NYC DOE STH and request supplies via Title I set‑aside; call NYS‑TEACHS if you don’t know the liaison’s name. Check 211 for weekend drives nearby. (schools.nyc.gov)
2. Can the school require me to buy brand‑specific items: If your child is in temporary housing, the district must remove barriers, including required supplies, under McKinney‑Vento. Ask the liaison to cover the list using Title I homeless set‑aside. (nysed.gov)
3. Do I need proof of address to enroll: No, not if you’re in temporary housing. Immediate enrollment applies; use the Housing Questionnaire and let the school request records. Call NYS‑TEACHS if you’re denied. (schools.nyc.gov)
4. Our utility is about to disconnect power—what now: Call the DPS Emergency Hotline at 1‑800‑342‑3355 right away, ask for a stay, and apply for HEAP when open; NYC residents can ask HRA for help through ACCESS NYC HEAP. (dps.ny.gov)
5. We missed a giveaway—what next: Ask your liaison for Title I supplies and check United Way 211, BPL events, and NYRP calendars for the next one. (nyrp.org)
6. Is Summer EBT still sending benefits: Yes, New York continued issuing batches through the summer into early fall 2025; check status and deadlines on OTDA Summer EBT or call 1‑833‑452‑0096. (otda.ny.gov)
7. We need diapers and clothing, not just notebooks: Ask your liaison for Title I coverage (clothing allowed), and contact WIC if you have a child under 5; search 211 for diaper banks. (nysed.gov)
8. Who helps if we’re new to NYC and not citizens: Free legal help is available via ActionNYC and statewide through the Office for New Americans; school rights under McKinney‑Vento still apply. (dos.ny.gov)
9. Can teachers help find classroom supplies: Many NYC teachers use DonorsChoose to fill gaps; ask your teacher if a project is posted and watch school newsletters for giveaways. This supplements, not replaces, your McKinney‑Vento rights. (donorschoose.org)
10. How do I find after‑school that also helps with homework and snacks: Search DYCD COMPASS and DOE’s after‑school page; call 311 and ask for after‑school help if you need a seat close to home. (nyc.gov)

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Spanish summary (resumen en español)

Esta sección es un resumen breve hecho con herramientas de traducción de IA; verifique los detalles en inglés o llame a 311/211 para confirmar.

• Mochilas y útiles gratis: Pida apoyo al enlace McKinney‑Vento de su escuela a través de Estudiantes en Vivienda Temporal del DOE y a NYS‑TEACHS 1‑800‑388‑2014; si está en refugio, pregunte por Operation Backpack NYC. (schools.nyc.gov)
• Comida para liberar dinero: Solicite SNAP y revise Summer EBT ($120 por niño en 2025). (otda.ny.gov)
• Busque eventos locales: Marque 211 NY, Biblioteca Pública de Brooklyn y NYRP para fechas de mochilas en su barrio. (nyrp.org)
• Cortes de servicios: Llame a DPS 1‑800‑342‑3355 y pida HEAP cuando esté abierto. (dps.ny.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team.

This guide uses official sources including:

• New York State Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance (OTDA)
• New York State Education Department (NYSED) — McKinney‑Vento and Title I
• NYC Public Schools — Students in Temporary Housing
• NYC Human Resources Administration — SNAP/CA/One‑Shot Deal
• United Way 211 New York
• NYC Council press on Operation Backpack

Last verified September 2025, next review April January 2026.

This guide is produced based on our Editorial Standards using only official sources, regularly updated and monitored, but not affiliated with any government agency and not a substitute for official agency guidance. Individual eligibility outcomes cannot be guaranteed. Please note that despite our careful verification process, errors may still occur — email info@asinglemother.org with corrections and we respond within 72 hours.

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Disclaimer

This is general information for New York families. Program rules and funding change. Always check details with your school, district, or agency, and call to confirm current availability before applying through 311 or 211 NY. For legal advice about your specific case, consult an attorney or call ActionNYC for a free referral.

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