Backpack giveaway bash

By ZOE HAGGARD - zhaggard@t-g.com

Posted 8/2/22

Local schools started back on Monday and several kids had brand new backpacks, thanks to a traditional backpack give-a-way, held Friday at H.V. Griffin Park.

It was the 18th annual Back to School …

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Backpack giveaway bash

Mamie Johnson, left, and her granddaughter Ashley Johnson helped to host the Backpack Giveaway Friday at H.V. Griffin Park.

T-G Photos by Zoe Haggard

Shelbyville Fire also showed their support. From left, Nolen King, Bill Woods, and Chris Cartwright

Linda Nichols and Kayla Hilliard from First Community Bank.

From left, Aricindy Castillo-Guzman from Catholic Charities with Marquitta Lockett and Sarah Joseph from the Center for Family Development.

The event also gives away awesome prizes, like this bike, to kids in the draw

This little girl won a fun game to play with her mom and brother.

Food was served and cooked by Stacey Moff.

Kids took advantage of the new playground equipment at H.V. Griffin Park on Friday.

Posted Tuesday, August 2, 2022 12:05 am

By ZOE HAGGARD - zhaggard@t-g.com

Local schools started back on Monday and several kids had brand new backpacks, thanks to a traditional backpack give-a-way, held Friday at H.V. Griffin Park.

It was the 18th annual Back to School Bash and Backpack Giveaway presented by the Johnson Housing Foundation in partnership with the Center for Family Development.

Despite the on-and-off rain, a large crowd of families turned out for the event’s featured hot dog lunch, give-aways, and awards.

The event began with Mamie Johnson, head of the Summer Feed Program, who through her outreach, has provided over 55,000 meals and 1,000 backpacks each year to the Shelbyville community, according to Benita Caldwell of the CFD.

“I like the giveaway the best. And I like helping folks,” said Johnson.