Five-year-old Jaden proudly showcased his bag full of back-to school goodies in North Philadelphia Tuesday. The jewel in his new collection is a Batman calculator set.
But some of the other children weren't playing favorites. They admired all their new supplies for the first day of school which is just around the corner.
"I'm starting second grade, and I'm happy," said Kyle Morris.
"I'm going to be starting fifth grade, and I need a lot of pens and stuff because we do a lot of cursive," said 5th grader Rahshanna Born.
For a second year, PGW's Ignited Toward Success Affinity Group made a call to employees for school supplies to donate to the Salvation Army Red Shield Family Residence on North Broad Street.
Thankful parents looked on as their kids sorted through the all the different piles of goodies.
"It has been a tough time, and like I said, I'm very grateful for something like this," said Heather Osborne.
All these items, including backpacks, folders, and crayons, were donated to close to 30 children whose families have come to the shelter.
"Their families don't have a lot of resources. And oftentimes, if not for this type of event, they would not have what they need to start school," said Sheila Dickens-Mosley.
The cost of school supplies can certainly add up, especially for families who are experiencing tough times. They say they are just so grateful for these donations.
"I knew my mom needed help getting it, so thankfully they had the supplies that they did, which is awesome," said 9th grader Tanesha Thomas.
