CHICAGO (CBS) — Hundreds of children in Chicago are ready for the new school year thanks to a huge back-to-school gift drive at St. Sabina Church.
Families at the Peace in the Streets summer block party said they were grateful for the help.
“It’s stressful. It’s overwhelming, especially for me as a mother of seven children. I’m completely confused,” said Shawnta Griffin.
The Witherite Law Group has partnered with St. Sabina Church to help parents and children prepare for school.
“We want to reach the communities where our customers come from and we want to support entire communities,” said Amy Witherite.
The church parking lot was transformed into a back-to-school street party and every child in line received a free backpack full of school supplies.
“I got a pencil case, crayons, markers, glue and then scissors,” said second-grader Anthony Sayles.
In one afternoon, 1,200 backpacks were given away.
“It helps me save, and whatever I get from this I can spend on something else,” Griffin said.
Parents don’t have to spend any money on haircuts either. Three barbers at the Ultimate Experience Mobile Barbershop performed free haircuts.
“He said he’s tired of his mom cutting his hair, so he’s going to get a real haircut today,” said Joseph Jemison III while cutting a boy’s hair. “Basically, it helps build their confidence and self-esteem.”
St. Sabina is a central contact point for the community, which is looked after by Father Michael Pfleger.
“A school bag is an additional expense. A haircut is an additional expense. People were queuing here at 5 a.m. this morning to get a school bag. It didn’t start until noon,” Pfleger said.
“We just want to have a good time in our community,” Griffin said. “You know, something positive, so we’re grateful for anything we get.”
The three-hour party also featured free food, yard games, bouncy castles and more.
