iCommunity Connection Services' (iCCS) annual Back to School Festival donated nearly 700 backpacks to local families this past Saturday. The annual event was sponsored by the Offices of School Board Member Gloria Dent, Delegate Mike Rogers, and Councilman Pete Smith. This is the fourth year for the event which also counted Coca-Cola Consolidated, Maryland Live, and the Anne Arundel County School District as its sponsors. Community leaders said it was important to sponsor the event to ensure that kids are ready for a healthy start to the new school year.
"This is just a wonderful event that brings the communities of Odenton and Laurel together. Delegate Mike Rogers, Gloria, and Pete did such a great job including partners that could provide needed services like the health department and the county library. It really does make a difference for parents. I'm so happy to volunteer and participate, " said school board nominee and Air Force veteran Sarah McDermott. Judge Ginina Jackson-Stevenson also lauded the participation of the county's first responders and said that such participation is crucial to building trust in the community. "It really is great to see our families interacting with the police department and the sheriff's office. These are important ties that helps ensure that everyone gets off to a great start for the school year," said Jackson-Stevenson.
Gloria Dent said that she worried about the weather for the event, but that she is happy that the event continues to be play such a vital role for local families. "It grows every year with great volunteers, the fraternities, sororities, and our partners like Coca-Cola. We continue to see more families every year which means that the word is getting out and that we're having an impact. I'm tired but very happy that this was so successful."
