MIAMI (WSVN) - Local radio station 99 JAMZ is helping fill a community need, and doing so in a fun way.
The station’s annual Back to School Backpack Tour is back on the road, just in time to help South Florida students in need of supplies before classes start in a few weeks.
“We just want to make sure that we give back. That’s what we do,” said 99 JAMZ’s DJ Nasty.
Parents, teachers and children came in full force at the Overtown Youth Center along Northwest 14th Street, Saturday.
Organizers said the event aims to connect the community with plenty of resources to help students be ready for the upcoming school year.
“Things like this, events like this help lift that one burden to make it easier for the kid to get As and be productive in school and not be hungry, and just all the things that they need to be a successful student,” said 99 JAMZ on-air talent Supa Cindy.
99 JAMZ provided live music, food, games, giveaways and, of course, backpacks, all while giving other organizations a chance to reach out to people.
Miami-Dade Commissioner Daniella Levine Cava praised the Overtown Youth Center’s bridge-building efforts.
“It’s critical to have an organization that works across the silos of programs and brings people together, and Overtown Youth Center has been building coalitions for years,” she said, “and this is the proof, because everybody wants to work together for the benefit of the community.”
Parents also learned about year-round opportunities: free tutoring, food drives and more.
“Here in Overtown, a lot of families aren’t able to go out and get book bags, are unable to get pens, paper, crayons,” said DJ Nasty. “At least we’re here today to make sure that all those families that are unable to do that, that we’re here for you.”
Organizers with 99 JAMZ said they’re just happy to serve the community.
“We’re just glad to be out here in Overtown Youth Center,” said 99 JAMZ’s Tap Money. “It’s just our small token in giving back to the community that has given us so much.”
The Backpack Tour continues next Saturday at the Betty T. Ferguson Recreational Complex in Miami Gardens from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
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