The South Bend Chapter of the Indiana Black Expo wants to make sure students have what they need to head back to class.
Members also wanted to give kids one last summer hoo-rah! The chapter held a back to school rally today at the Greater St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Activities included workshops, vendors, food, and a back pack giveaway. President of the Indiana Black Expo Craig Clark said, "There's a need for students in the community to receive school supplies and backpacks." The rally ended with a concert under the big tent.
The Indiana Black Expo wasn't the only group handing out free backpacks Saturday. The United Way of Southwest Michigan gave away about one thousand backpacks filled with school supplies Saturday. Hundreds of people lined up for a chance for a free bag. Also available for kids were free haircuts, dental checks, and I-D kits. Emily Hosinski with United Way said, "We want kids to start school ready to learn and have the tools they need to succeed and part of that is having the pencils in your hand and the notebooks, the paper."
Kids also got a chance to sign up for library cards and programs like Big Brothers, Big Sisters.
