NORFOLK, Va. — Before children across Hampton Roads start heading back to school next month, one local nonprofit is helping families get the supplies they need.
A local nonprofit called Authentic Blessings held their first-ever back-to-school giveaway.
On Tuesday, Volunteers in Norfolk handed out backpacks filled with school supplies. People also got snacks, drinks, and ice cream from D Lee’s.
It was an uplifting day for everyone involved, but for one local grandmother, it was a moment of gratitude.
“This is a blessing. This is a few dollars more that we don’t have to pay for," said Sharon Edwards.
President of Authentic Blessings Shawn Sommerville says the event is about supporting and lifting up the community.
“[I was driven] to start getting bookbags so I can bless these babies. At least that first 6 months, before they tear them up, they got a bookbag and can walk in there with confidence with their own bookbag filled with supplies," said Sommerville.
Sommerville says giving back is something she’s deeply passionate about—not just with school supplies, but with gifts at Christmas, coats, and diapers throughout the year. While her original goal was to help 100 kids, she says she’s already surpassed that and plans to hold the back-to-school event every year.
