JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The First Baptist Church of Oakland and different community partners handed out roughly a 1,000 backpacks at the 5th annual Historic Eastside Back-to-School Event.
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Music from the Jacksonville Jaguars D-Line energized crowds at the Jacksonville Fairground Expo Center, where families lined up to receive essential school supplies and resources.
“Everything is so expensive now, so for them to get the school supplies, that’s one less burden,” said Driea Jones, who arrived early with her three children. “We still have to get uniforms and things of that nature. So financially it’s a great help.”
Jones said coming to something like this event was amazing.
The event even energized students, who were happy to show off the items they received.
“I got a bookbag, I got some food and a bag with a lot of stuff in it,” Gabriella Jennings, an upcoming sixth grader said.
Organizer and pastor of the church, Christopher McKee Jr., said seeing everyone out at the event Saturday brought him joy.
“It’s our job as good neighbors, community members to do what we can to help support and uplift one another,” McKee Jr., said.
Beyond school supplies the event offered free laptops, haircuts, food and free physicals
The event was held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
