CHICAGO (CBS) — Hundreds of Chicago children are ready for the new school year thanks to a massive back-to-school effort at St. Sabina Church.
Families who attended the Peace in the Streets summer celebration said they are grateful for the help.
“It’s stressful. It’s overwhelming, especially because I have seven kids. I’m all over the place,” Shawnta Griffin said.
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 clients come from and we want to lift up entire communities,” said Amy Witherite.
The church parking lot was transformed into a block party to celebrate the start of the school year, and every child in line received a free backpack full of school supplies.
“I was given a pencil case, crayons, markers, glue and then scissors,” said second grader Anthony Sayles.
In one afternoon, 1,200 backpacks were distributed.
“It helps me save and what I earn here I can spend on something else,” Griffin said.
Parents don’t have to pay for a haircut either. Three barbers in the Ultimate Experience Mobile Barbershop gave free haircuts.
“He said he’s tired of his mom cutting his hair, so he’s going to get a real haircut today,” Joseph Jemison III said as he cut a boy’s hair. “Basically to build their confidence and self-esteem.”
St. Sabina is a one-stop-shop for the community that Pastor Michael Pfleger serves.
“Book bags are an added expense. Haircuts are an added expense. There were people lined up here at 5 a.m. this morning to get a book 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 whatever we get, we’re grateful for it.”
The three-hour party also featured free food, yard games, bouncy castles and more.
