Local church donates hundreds of backpacks to kids in need

LELAND, NC (WWAY) — Crosswinds Church gave out about 300 backpacks to kids who needed them most yesterday.

A crowd gathered at the Town Hall Recreation Building as dozens of volunteers handed out backpacks, filled with school supplies, to students of all ages.

Pastor Chris Vernon said events like this are all about serving the community and helping out folks in the area.

“If you actually add up what it costs, from a backpack and the number of supplies that schools are needing and the students are needing, it can be pretty pricey. So we’re trying to do what we can to alleviate that stress of that financial burden to help families out,” said Vernon.

The backpack giveaway also featured a cookout for the students and their families. Volunteers served up hot dogs and hamburgers as families enjoyed a picnic in the park.