Syracuse, N.Y. — Mary Nelson was all smiles Saturday as she watched a group of praise dancing children move to music on the stage as they danced and sang “All I want to show is love.”
That message of love is one Nelson has delivered to the Syracuse community for the past 22 years. It is a message she hopes children and adults take away — to have love and respect for one another.
During her annual back-to-school giveaway, many people hugged, shook hands, laughed, expressed appreciation and gratitude to one another for attending, volunteering and donating.
Children played on bouncy houses, families enjoyed barbecue and community members danced along to gospel and R&B music. Older kids thanked volunteers for helping their mothers and fathers get supplies they needed for school.
“If you look to the crowd, you can see the love,” Nelson said. “And I love my community.”
Backpacks and school supplies — such as markers, notebooks, lunch boxes, calculators and more — clothing, food and two U-Hauls filled with Amazon mystery boxes were provided to families from all over. Nelson also gave away over 100 Samsung Galaxy Note A03 cellphones.
“Everything a family needs is right here,” Nelson said.
Maah Bailey, a Syracuse mother of three, said the event has helped setup her children with the back to school essentials they need. Bailey said she went to the mall in search of clothes and shoes for her two daughters and son, but saw the prices and hesitated.
Bailey had been to the youth day last year, so she remembered all the things she got to help her kids get ready for school.
“A lot of items I was gearing up to buy, I received here,” Bailey said. “It’s a relief — one less thing to worry about.”
Bailey said the event is not only great for children, but amazing for parents. As a mother, she said she understands how hard it can be to take care of a household, and the event helps families like hers save money.
Over 3,000 children registered with The Mary…
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