GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Hundreds of families lined up outside several Verizon retail stores across West Michigan for the 12th annual “School Rocks Backpack Giveaway” event.
"We had stopped by to pick up prescriptions at Meijer and then when we saw free backpacks the kids were excited to get one piece of their back-to-school supplies,” said Claire Titcombe.
Verizon partnered with Round Room LLC, a Verizon retailer, to help lessen the financial burden on families during back-to-school season.
The organizations said with inflation, school supply lists for students can be more than $900, with backpacks being a higher-ticket item.
"The parents are grateful, all of them are super thankful,” said Shelby Impens, TCC-area sales consultant. "It's great to be a part of that whole experience on the kids' side and the parents' side, just how taken back and thankful a lot of the people in the community are. It's an amazing thing to be a part of."
According to Round Room LLC, more than $3 million worth of free backpacks were given away to hundreds of families in West Michigan, where more than a dozen stores participated.
Fourth grader Dylan Wiles, who has big dreams of being a Youtuber, said he looks forward to going back to school with his new backpack.
"The thing that I am most excited about is going to see my friends because we always play tag and go on the swings,” Wiles said.
The free backpacks went fast at some locations, sending families to other stores who were grateful despite having to go elsewhere.
"The free backpack events make a big difference because that's like $40 to a family, so they do make a big difference,” said Nakia Youngblood.
The event will continue to be held annually before the school year starts.