Back-to-School Barbeque

Thousands of children receive school supplies in Syracuse

by Nina Wegner / The Post-Standard
Saturday August 15, 2009, 3:22 PM

David Lassman / The Post-StandardVolunteer Dale Johnson (right) hands a backpack to Demetry Spears, 6, Saturday afternoon during the Mary Nelson backpack and school supply giveaway at the corner of East Colvin Street and South Salina Street. Speers will be a first grader at Elmwood Elementary School this fall. At far left is his mother, Kim Harris.

 

 

Mary Nelson started organizing the Back-to-School Barbeque in Syracuse five years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a barbeque, which consisted of all condiments you would have for a barbeque. Mary stated that she woke up one morning and decided that she wanted to do something about the violence affecting children in the community. In 2002, the first year the event was held we had in attendance 850 youths and their parents, Each and every year thereafter the event has grown in record numbers. In 2007, we had in attendance over 6000 youths and their families attend our Annual Youth Day BBQ.  The Youth Day BBQ attendance by our youths and their families have  increased in record numbers we had well over 9000, to attend this years BBQ,  we were able to give away school supplies, back packs and clothing to all youths who attended from grade levels Pre-K to College.