Franklin Park Hosts Annual Back-to-School Giveaway, Preparing Families for a Strong Start to the School Year

As the new school year approaches, Franklin Park welcomed families from across the community for its Annual Back-to-School Giveaway, bringing together local organizations, volunteers, and community partners for a day dedicated to preparing students for success and celebrating the power of collaboration.

Park Supervisor Mia James and the Franklin Park staff worked tirelessly behind the scenes to secure partnerships, coordinate resources, and host an event that helped ensure children were prepared for the first day of school. Every participating student received a backpack filled with essential school supplies, giving families one less obstacle to worry about as the school year begins.

A special thank you goes to Larry Gallion and Sharmaine Miller, whose efforts secured generous donations from the Steans Family Foundation, making it possible to provide backpacks and school supplies for youth throughout the community.

Beyond Athletics Chicago (Homan Square Park District) proudly partnered with Franklin Park by donating additional school supplies and providing complimentary haircuts throughout the day. Community barber Star Cutz generously volunteered his time and talent, helping students head back to school looking and feeling their very best.

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The event also featured support from UCAN and Cynthia Manuel, who provided snacks for families to enjoy. Adding to the day’s excitement, Open Books distributed free books for children and adults of all ages, encouraging literacy and inspiring a lifelong love of reading.

Beyond the giveaways, the event created an atmosphere of joy and togetherness. Youth enjoyed basketball in the gym, bounced in the inflatable bounce house, participated in organized games, danced to music, and spent the afternoon making memories with friends and neighbors while families shared food, refreshments, and fellowship.

Franklin Park’s Annual Back-to-School Giveaway has become much more than a distribution event. It has grown into a cherished community tradition that families look forward to each year. Pure testament to what can happen when organizations, businesses, volunteers, and residents unite around a shared commitment to investing in the next generation.

Reflecting on the event’s continued impact, Larry Gallion shared, “This Back-to-School Giveaway has become a tradition our community looks forward to every year. It’s about more than backpacks and school supplies; it’s about showing our young people that they’re supported by an entire community that believes in their future. Seeing families come together year after year reminds us why this work matters.”

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Mia James, Park Supervisor at Franklin Park, emphasized the importance of collaboration, saying, “This event has become a staple in our community because it brings people together around a common purpose, making sure every child starts the school year feeling prepared, encouraged, and valued. It takes incredible teamwork, and we’re grateful to every partner, volunteer, and organization that continues to make this day possible.”

Laron Wade, Founder and Executive Director of Beyond Athletics Chicago, added, “Partnerships like this are what strengthen communities. We’ve been proud to stand alongside Franklin Park because we understand that real impact happens when organizations unite around a shared mission. Whether it’s providing school supplies, free haircuts, or simply encouraging a young person, every act of service tells our youth that their community believes in them. That’s a message they’ll carry long after the first day of school.”

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As students prepare to return to the classroom, they do so with more than backpacks and school supplies. They carry the encouragement of an entire community that believes in their potential. Through the leadership of Franklin Park, the generosity of community partners, and the dedication of countless volunteers, the Annual Back-to-School Giveaway continues to demonstrate that when a community comes together, every child begins the school year with confidence, hope, and the knowledge that they are supported every step of the way.