In an effort to make kids age 5 to 13 look at their surroundings a bit differently, Babesta is handing out 100 disposable cameras so they can take photos of anything below Canal that best represents the area. Greetings from My Hood/The Postcard Project officially starts in early May, at an event at which photographers will give tips and a historian will speak, but you can call now to reserve a camera (646-290-5508). “You know those days that are a blank slate? When you have nothing to do but you want to get outside?” asks Babesta owner Jenn Cattaui (right, with one of the cameras). “We thought this would be a great way not just to encourage exploration but also to have an adventure.” Many of the photos will be exhibited online and in the Babesta stores, and then experts and the community will choose to 50 semifinalists and then 10 finalists, which will be sold as postcard packets that benefit the Lower Manhattan Cultural Council.

With kids, of course, you never know exactly what you’ll get. “When I told my six-year-old daughter about it, she was excited,” says Cattaui. “She said she was going to take photos of the Dunkin’ Donuts.”