Local organizations team up to ease back-to-school burden for families in Prince George’s County

FORESTVILLE, Md. (DC News Now) — Many Prince George’s County parents have one less thing to worry about as they prepare to send their children back to school.

Hundreds of people lined the parking lot at Marlo Furniture on Sunday to get a free back-to-school backpack, filled with supplies their kids will need.

“This is great because some people can’t afford it or some people just don’t have the time,” said Miracle Atecyao, a parent. “And, most of the stores are sold out of backpacks and needed supplies for the school year.”

The National Retail Federation estimates families will spend an average $144 on back-to-school supplies this year.

This annual event is a joint effort between Asia’s Angels, 102.3 FM, the Community Impact Center, and PG Council Member Wala Blegay’s District 6 Office. Organizers said the goal is to help the kids succeed.

“So they need the tools to do that,” said Asia Chandler, of 102.3 FM, and co-organizer. “And the schools are definitely, definitely suffering right now with all the recent cutbacks, with all the lack of funding.”

Parents took home 1,000 backpacks.

“I love this giveaway. This is giving back to our babies,” said Elizabeth Taylor, another parent. “Of course, they’re much needed. And also, it brings us together.”

Prince George’s County public school students return to the classrooms on August 26.