FOX 10 News | myfoxphoenix.com
by Anita Roman
PHOENIX – It’s that time of year when kids begin heading back to school. Several organizations came together Saturday to help them get a great start with a school supply giveaway.
Thousands of valley families with school aged kids lined up outside Lolo’s Chicken and Waffles on Central near Buckeye Saturday morning, eager to receive free school supplies.
“These kids are my godchildren. They come from a family of eight and five of them are in school so this is helping out their mom tremendously. She’s a young parent,” said August Taylor.
The giveaway was a collaborative effort between the Unstoppable Divas, Second to None Motorcycle Club and others who donated items and time to make sure these students start their school year in a positive way.
“It’s very exciting so when you go in with new stuff, you have all your supplies, you don’t feel left out. Now you have a tool for your education so that you feel you’re going to be on board with everybody else,” said Nanette Brown Jackson, with Unstoppable Divas.
Experts say the cost of school supplies is up this year from last year, about an average of 7.3 percent. Free supplies offer parents who can’t afford the increase a huge relief.
“Huge amount of stress on the parents when they’re unable to buy the school supplies they actually need for the kids, but then they are able to provide those supplies for the kids themselves. Also has the opportunity to really give those kids that attitude, get them ready and prepared to go to school…start out their school year with the right frame of mind,” said District 8 Councilman Michael Johnson.
Johnson helped organize the first ever Phoenix Tools 4 School event. More than 2,000 backpacks were given away, along with free breakfast.
