Backpacks, Smiles Fill Fayetteville During Citywide Gotcha’ Back Giveaway
FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. — Families across Fayetteville gathered at locations throughout the county Saturday as theGroupTheory, Inc. and community partners distributed free backpacks and school supplies to children preparing for the new school year.
The annual Gotcha’ Back Backpack Giveaway took a countywide approach, with organizations hosting families at several locations rather than concentrating the effort at a single site.
Founded by Kevin Brooks, Gotcha’ Back has served Fayetteville-area students for nearly 20 years. This year’s giveaway also comes as theGroupTheory, Inc. marks its 10th anniversary, a milestone for the nonprofit organization that has continued developing the initiative through partnerships with businesses, organizations and volunteers.
At Bubba’s 33, members of Ville City Jeeps joined volunteers from Superior Court Judge Hasty’s team to distribute backpacks and supplies to families.
Downtown, Natural Genius Hair Salon added activities to the giveaway. Children participated in musical chairs and other activities outside the business as families arrived for school supplies.
At Massey Hill Recreation Center, Teenie Church, led by Jamie Sellars and supported by its volunteer team, welcomed families throughout the morning and helped distribute supplies.
The effort also reached Fayetteville State University, where families gathered near the outdoor basketball courts. Carl Pringle worked the grill as children and parents participated in the community event and picked up supplies for the upcoming school year.
At the historic Orange Street School, backpacks were lined up and ready for students as families arrived throughout the giveaway.
The decentralized approach allowed participating organizations to serve different parts of Fayetteville simultaneously, bringing supplies closer to families while allowing individual community groups to put their own touch on the event.
The result was more than a traditional backpack drive. Across the participating locations, volunteers turned the distribution into neighborhood gatherings where families could spend time together while preparing children for their return to school.
The Gotcha’ Back effort also highlighted the role smaller organizations and volunteers can play when their resources are coordinated. Instead of asking one organization to serve the entire city, theGroupTheory brought multiple groups together around the same goal.
Additional back-to-school events were scheduled throughout August, including a Teach Me 2 Tie, Inc. event Aug. 8 in Wagram, L3 Brand Community Alliance’s “I Love My Community” Celebration & Giveaway on Aug. 15 and a drive-thru school supply pickup at the Crown Complex on Aug. 16.
For Brooks and the organizations participating in Gotcha’ Back, the nearly two-decade tradition continues to center on a straightforward mission: helping local children begin the school year with the supplies they need and reminding families that the community is behind them.
Kres Thomas, FayToday News
kresthomas@faytoday.com
