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Giveaway Helps Prepare Students

Photo courtesy of Wanda Howard

Last year, Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Port Tampa gave out 204 backpacks at its Back to School Supplies Give-Away. This year they are hoping to give out 300.

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By JAMIE PILARCZYK

The Tampa Tribune

Published: July 30, 2008

PORT TAMPA - Wanda Howard is trying her hardest to make sure students in Tampa start school on the right foot.

From backpacks to pencils and calculators and pens, Howard is helping coordinate the second annual Back to School Supplies Give-Away sponsored by Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church, 7401 Kissimmee St., in Port Tampa.

"There are so many people that don't have jobs right now," said Howard, outreach ministry coordinator for the church and for Port Tampa City Woman's Club, which is participating in the event. "This year we are trying to help as many children as we can."

Last year the group gave out 204 book bags filled with school supplies to children from West Shore and Lanier elementary schools, Monroe Middle School and Robinson High School.

"Surely we can do another 100 this year," Howard said.

She has collected about 100 bags so far but is hoping to receive about 200 more, as well as folders, notebooks, calculators and other school supplies. They will be given away at a picnic on Aug. 9 from 12 to 3 p.m.

Regina McBride-Smith, district supervisor of the city's Parks and Recreation Department, is providing the Kwane Doster Community Center, 7506 S. Morton St., and its staff for the event. All children in need who are accompanied by a parent are welcome.

"So when they start on the first day they will be like any other child in that classroom," Howard said.

IF YOU GO

WHAT: Back to School Supplies Give-Away

WHEN: Noon to 3 p.m. Aug. 9

WHERE: Kwane Doster Community Center, 7506 S. Morton St., in Port Tampa

COST: Free

DONATE: Backpacks and supplies are still needed. Call Wanda Howard at (813) 453-5601.

Reporter Jamie Pilarczyk can be reached at (813) 259-7661 or jpilarczyk@tampatrib.com.

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