More than 3,000 kids walked away with free backpacks on Saturday in Northwest Arkansas. It was all courtesy of the Samaritan Community Center’s 14th Annual Backpacks for Kids day.
The backpacks were handed out at several locations, including the Samaritan Community Center in Rogers. The giveaway was made possible by a donation from Walmart to the United Way of Northwest Arkansas.
“What really touches my heart isn't so much the kids,” said event spokeswoman Mary Mann. “Kids love it. It's fun. They say, 'Thank you so much.' It's the parents. The parent who comes up to me and says, 'You don't know what it means to me. I wasn't going to be able to get even the basic supplies for my child.'"
The backpacks were also filled with school supplies. The giveaway was sponsored by KLRC and Chick-fil-A.