Charitable Organizations Stepping Up To Provide Back-To-School Supplies
PITTSBURGH (KDKA) - Regardless of when the kids go back to school in your neighborhood, it is an important day for students and their parents too.
That is why a number of different charitable organizations are doing their part to make sure families have what they need for the big day.
With back-to-school spending predicted to top $75 billion this year, there are many who are coming up a little bit short.
"I'm ecstatic. They have bookbags. They are happy. They are smiling, and I am grateful," Jerneice Griffin said.
An event over the weekend was sponsored by Source Church -- a non-denominational church in West Mifflin.
"We've got free haircuts. We've got face painting, a bounce house, school supplies, and then we've got a science show going on also down the hallway," Pastor Rick Morgan said.
The kids ate it up.
"It makes me actually happy because I don't have to worry about having to find sales for school supplies and arguing with old people for certain bookbags and stuff because I actually have a cool bookbag," DeNyjah Griffin said.
Chad Busch brought his young son to the event to make sure he was ready for the big day.
"He was tremendously excited to get his face painted, to get a bookbag, even the sign show, he was grateful for everything today," Busch said.
On the other side of the city, the Islamic Circle of North America held an event of their own. They are one of the largest Muslim outreach organizations in the United States.
With the help of Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Ryan Harris, they helped pass out 400 stuffed backpacks Sunday in Northview Heights.
"We have a duty to serve the neighbors and to serve those in need, and it's also education itself is so important in our religion. We really believe that education is going to really lead children to their success," Omar Ranginwala said.
Regardless of where it took place, children and families are ready for back-to-school, thanks to the generosity of strangers.
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