MIAMI GARDENS, FLA. (WSVN) - A group of South Florida police officers teamed up with a top retailer to help get some underprivileged children ready for their first day of class.
There was a heavy police presence and flashing lights, but no emergency at the Wal-Mart Supercenter in Miami Gardens, Sunday.
With a new school year fast approaching, grabbing the essentials isn’t as easy as a quick weekend trip to the mall for many South Floridians. “I feel great that I got a new backpack because my mom didn’t have enough money to buy both of us backpacks and supplies to put on our backs,” said student Alexie Nicolas as she stood next to her sister, “so I’m pretty happy I came here to get a backpack.”
Alexie’s backpack, as well as the supplies packed inside, came from a partnership between Wal-Mart and the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, or NOBLE.
“I mean, it’s a great help for me,” said Amy Rodriguez, a mother of four.
“I’m feeling grateful for what they’re doing for us,” said student Jazmine Ferrer.
Thanks to NOBLE’s efforts in Miami-Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties, more students will receive the items they need to go back to school. “A lot of them are just surprised that we’re out here doing it,” said NOBLE spokesperson Lonnie Lawrence, “and most of them, a lot of whom are single parents, are saying thank you.”
The event is in its fourth and biggest year partnering with Wal-Mart. “By the time we’re done here today, we will have given nearly 1,000 backpacks,” said Wal-Mart spokesperson Adriana P. Reyes.
Miami Gardens Police Chief Antonio G. Brooklen said education and bridge building are important goals for the department. “It furthers our mission of building those bonds within the community and letting the kids learn that they don’t have to be afraid of the police,” he said, “and it’s something we have to continuously do to make sure we instill it in our young people.”
Organizers said the giveaway is something they hope, will have a lasting impact, and they confirmed they’ll be back at it again next year.
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