By Mike Kinney
School may already have started, but that won’t stop local advocates from holding more giveaways of backpacks and school supplies, particularly amid difficult economic times.
For a fourth straight year on Friday, Aug. 30, a back-to-school giveaway was held at the St. John’s Apartments at 121 W. Macdonald Ave. in Richmond. Along with supplies for school, resources were provided to families of the residential complex.
The event was coordinated by Richmond community advocate Antwon Cloird and supported by the management of St. John’s Apartments, the Richmond Police Department’s Guardians of Justice, Rosie Service Corporation, Youth Services Bureau and the Bay Area Rescue Mission.
“It is important that these children have the resources that they need, and parents don’t have to worry about where the money will come from to buy school supplies,” said Cloird, who grew up at St. John’s in his late teens. “I know what it is like in times of inflation and no jobs.”
St. John Manager LaShon Miles expressed gratitude to Cloird for coming back to the community to provide for its children.
Added Police Officer Terry Thomas of the RPD’s Guardians for Justice: “We want our community to know we have there back. We are attempting to bridge the gap between law enforcement and the community.”
