Detroit organization eases back-to-school stress for families with backpack giveaway
It's the last weekend before the start of the brand-new school year for most students in the Metro Detroit area.
A community organization helped families get ready with a back-to-school festival on Saturday.
The day started with mostly clouds and rain. It didn't stop families from heading to the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation for the third annual backpack giveaway.
"Like, rain or shine, we're going to give these backpacks out because we have them and we want to be able to, you know, get it to the families," Chloe White, director of entrepreneurship and social enterprise with the Detroit Hispanic Development Corporation, said.
The main room was full of vendors and resources for families with young children heading back to school.
"We're having a nice time down today, and we're really enjoying ourselves here. So educational, free books for the children and back-to-school backpacks. It is great," Madeline Gil, from Detroit, said.
Then, it was on to the main event: the backpack giveaway.
"Our initial goal was actually 300, so we surpassed that. Last year, we gave out 100. Now, we're getting out 500 thanks to our community partners, and our board of directors and just a bunch of other people that were gracious enough to donate some supplies to the kids," White said.
Organizers say they hope to provide some relief to Detroit families.
"I think the goal and the purpose is to alleviate some stress that our families are going through with inflation. To really just, you know, give them a chance to not have to worry about this one thing, because the kids need these supplies. It's expensive!" White said.
Myla, a student, picked a purple backpack.
Sherry Hand, her mom, says she's grateful for the support.
"It's really good. It's helpful for the family to get you to receive free bookbags and school supplies. Saves a lot. It's a real big help for us," Hand said.
Now, with her new backpack in hand, Myla is ready for the start of school.
