Annual backpack giveaway causes traffic backup around Lincoln Financial Field, South Philadelphia
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Traffic around Lincoln Financial Field in South Philadelphia was at a standstill Friday morning due to an annual back-to-school drive.
Chopper 6 flew over the Linc on Friday as the School District of Philadelphia hosted its annual backpack giveaway.
Long lines and traffic backups could be seen around the Linc parking lots and on Interstate 95.
To ensure social distancing, attendees were asked to stay in their cars as they arrived to pick up their backpacks.
Each child in a car will be eligible to receive a backpack full of school supplies and free Converse sneakers.
Parents, like Jacquelyne Scott, were in line for more than an hour.
"Its horrible but I want to do it for our children," she said.
But some frustrated drivers say it was poorly organized, waiting in traffic with no backpacks in sight.
"I think this year with the cars and trying to move them into a line, it may have added a little bit to the traffic build up, but we know our families need our support and we're glad to help them out," said Monica Lewis, with The School District of Philadelphia.
"We recognize how different back to school looks for our students and families this year," said Superintendent William R. Hite. "We want to ensure that our students are equipped with the resources they need to help them have a successful school year as we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times."
The giveaway was scheduled to run through 1 p.m.
