Verizon Wireless to give away free backpacks on Saturday

It’s a giveaway based on a first-come, first-serve basis just in time for the start of the new school year.

The Verizon Wireless store is offering free backpacks stuffed with school supplies for local students on Saturday from noon to 3 p.m., at their store located at 20 S. Highway 160, Suite 112.

Verizon Manager Tracy Holliday said the “School Rocks” event is all about giving back to the community.

“This all came about from an organization called Culture of Good, and we are giving away 125 backpacks,” she said. “They will be fully loaded with all kinds of school supplies. It will be everything that the child needs to head back to school.”

Holliday said the event is a first for the wireless retailer.

Though each child must be accompanied by an adult, there is no limit for the giveaway per family.

“We actually paid for the backpacks and all of these supplies,” she said. “This is our very first time doing this and I’m hoping that the event is such a success, we can continue it in the future.”

The child must be present to receive his or her backpack. There is no limit per family because it is on a first-come, first-serve basis.

“This will happen on July 30, right here at our location and I am really hoping we have a nice crowd,” she said. “I am reaching out to different businesses in the community to determine if they want to partner with us for the event. We are looking for food, drinks, and different sorts of entertainment. We welcome anyone or any business who would like to donate to this event.”

Contact reporter Selwyn Harris at sharris@pvtimes.com. On Twitter: @pvtimes