Massive School Supply Giveaway at the 3rd Annual Build-A-Backpack Back to School Bash

The Corey Mitchell Multiple Sclerosis Foundation hosted its third annual Build-A-Backpack Back to School Bash in collaboration with the City of Columbia Parks and Recreation this past Saturday.

A Riverside of Supplies

In a large-scale community gathering at Greenview Park, hundreds of families flocked to collect school essentials for the upcoming academic year. The foundation, initiated by local police officer Corey Mitchell, distributed approximately 600 backpacks filled with school supplies, demonstrating triple growth in contributions compared to its inaugural event in 2022.

Mitchell was inspired to launch the foundation and give back to the community following his multiple sclerosis diagnosis. “When I got diagnosed with MS, I had so much support from my friends and family I had no choice but to give back,” Mitchell said, adding, “While in the hospital, the Lord laid in my heart to create this foundation.” Since then, the foundation has hosted multiple fundraising events, each aimed at supporting and uplifting the local community.

Communal Upliftment

The event was not just about the distribution of school supplies; it also offered a meaningful platform for interaction and engagement. Apart from underprivileged students, several vendors, including the American Red Cross and retail giant Walmart, had set up booths at the park.

The aim was twofold. While the students moved from table to table, collecting their necessary supplies, parents got a valuable opportunity to converse and engage with the vendors and learn about their initiatives. This served as a win-win situation for both the students and their parents.

Gratitude and Excitement

The recipients of the supplies were overwhelmed with the generous gesture. Chrishunda Atkinson, a single mother of two, deemed the event as a godsend for her family, “It makes me feel great to see they give their resources for us to provide the care that we need for our children and community. I’m ecstatic about it,” Atkinson said, her voice brimming with gratitude and excitement.

Looking Toward a Larger Future

Mitchell has big plans for the future of the Build-A-Backpack Back to School Bash. He disclosed his excitement and vision to increase the scale of the event next year, with a goal to distribute 1000 backpacks and more supplies to the local families in 2025.

Anyone who wishes to support the CMMS foundation and its noble cause can find more information on their official website.