Custom Back-To-School Backpack Giveaway is coming to Wicomico County!
WICOMICO COUNTY, Md. – School is just around the corner and there’s one organization who’s put a twist on traditional back-to-school giveaways.
Founded in October 2019, The Brooks Token Inc.’s mission is to create a better everyday life for all by combating issues like food and housing insecurity, domestic violence victims, and furthering education.
Helping Her Hometown
The business is run by Salisbury Native CEO Quentesia Brooks, who says it’s time to help her hometown. “The goal is to make sure everyone is starting back fresh, and then starting back with smiling faces, they have what they need, and it’s a help to the parents, and it takes a load off.”
She says as long as they have the mission for the people, not for self, they will partner with them. “We are collaborating with Wicomico County, Wicomico High School. And we’re going to be providing all the back-to-school essentials for the children. Backpacks, school supplies, fun, food, family, and we want everyone to come out and participate, and just receive what they need.”
Custom Characters
This isn’t your traditional backpack giveaway. Parents register ahead of time giving details like their child’s age, favorite colors or cartoon characters. Each child is given a custom book-bag and then allowed to travel down an assembly line and pick out their supplies all on their own! Quentesia said they have had a lot of success this year already, and plan to do the same thing across the shore.
“So, each year, we add a little more to the program, and the numbers rise based on the area and the poverty. So, this year, we had our backpack event for Connecticut, and we had 296 students that we provided backpacks and school supplies for. We also sent 154 backpacks to another location in New York City”
School not Shame
She said kids are more confident starting the year off with supplies and no child should be ashamed to start school. Quentesia is determined to make a difference this year on the Shore.
“How ever we can make a difference, and help the parents relieve some of the stress, because people generally don’t realize what a lot of parents go through. Single moms, single dads, you have multiple children in the home, so that little thing goes a long way. Having them ready, having those supplies, and getting them ready on a mental note.”
The event is happening at Doverdale Park on Saturday, August 30th from 2:00-4:00 pm. Participants must register to get a backpack. Registration closes August 25th.
