HUNTSVILLE, Ala. — The first day of school is quickly approaching for kids in Huntsville and several organizations in the area got together today to host the third annual, "Back to School Jam."
It was a busy day at the Dr. Robert Shurney Legacy Center. Christina Bennett, founder of Say it Sow therapy services shared that this is the best way to say goodbye to summer.
“We are giving away backpacks fully loaded. We are just getting our kids ready for the new school year. We have festivities, we have food. We are enjoying ourselves. We are ending our summer on a good note,” Bennett said.
Kids were also able to get a free haircut or braids. Porshe Chapman, owner of Rising Stars Tutoring, has been hosting similar events like this one since before she moved to town.
“It started in Chicago, but when I came to Huntsville, we started at supreme cuts barber shop and all the barbers came out and we had braiders and barbers actually come out and braid and then I end up meeting Christina Bennett and ever since then we’ve been on this role and a journey of back to school jam,” Chapman said.
And Chapman said this "Back to School Jam", packed with free school supplies, performances, and fun, greatly impacts the community.
“This is so important for the community. Actually, I'm a school teacher on the north side of Huntsville. Lakewood Elementary. And I just feel like it's a need in our community to make sure that the students are prepared fully with everyday needs as far as education. We know COVID has hit houses and homes tremendously. So this is our way to give back,” Chapman said.
This event was coordinated with the City of Huntsville's Parks and Recreation Department, S.T.E.P.A.N -N- Our City, and more.
“Thank you to the city of Huntsville. I also want to say thank you to for all of the donations and the sponsors. We had so many people pour into this event, we could not do it without you guys and the community,” Bennett said.
Chapman and Bennett said they'll be back next year and it will be even bigger.