Back To School Giveaway

Back to school event focuses on safety and supplies
Written by ERICA LORET DE MOLA
Florida International University

Children and youth from Liberty City and throughout Miami can stock up on free school supplies, get school vaccinations, play games and win prizes at the “Safe Summer Back to School Giveaway” Saturday, Aug. 21 from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. at Charles Hadley Park, 1350 NW 50th St., in Liberty City.
The event two days before school starts is part of the “Safe Summer 2010” initiative started this year to provide children and youth in the area with supervised summer activities. It's open to students from throughout Miami.

“We want all children to participate, not just the ones in Liberty City,” said Lynda Roberts, a crime prevention specialist with the Miami Police.

The Safe Summer 2010 Coalition is comprised of the police department, the city parks department and the Model City and

Little Haiti Neighborhood Enhancement Teams. Concern about street violence and the budget cuts plaguing summer youth programs led the coalition to run a series of eight “Summer Safe” activities, which kicked off on June 4.

Past events have included a forum where teens could speak about violence and crime in their communities, a movie night, a skate day and a food-and-fireworks festival on the Fourth of July.

The back to school giveaway is the last event on the list. Sponsors for the event include the South Florida Youth Foundation, the Miami Heat and WMBM radio, which will provide the music.

But the giveaway event is not just about school supplies, it’s also about making sure the children are physically prepared for the new school year.

Jackson Memorial Hospital, the University of Miami Hospital and Children’s Hospital have teamed up to administer free vaccinations at the event. Free vision and dental exams will also be available. For further information, call Lynda Roberts 305-603-6095.

ELore006@Fiu.edu