Back-to-school parade helps students prepare for first day

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Every child needs school supplies to go back to school, but some kids did not have a way of getting the items they needed, until Saturday.

Volunteers handed out thousands of backpacks at the Englewood Back to School Parade.

There is a long standing tradition in Englewood to come together to get the neighborhood kids ready to head back to the classroom.

"We all just came together as one," said organizer Devry Graham. "There's no one greater than the other."

For 53 years, the parade culminates with a picnic and a backpack giveaway. Last year, volunteers gave away 2,500 backpacks.

It takes money from donors and sponsors to buy the backpacks and inside they are packed with the essentials - a folder, a notepad, crayons, markers and scissors - all the items a child needs to head back to school.

"Thousands are coming to this park peacefully to eat for free to get school supplies because we want to see our babies be successful when they head back to school," Graham said.

Parade participants included the Jesse White Tumblers who pulled in Takita Smith and her two daughters as they flipped and jumped along Halsted.

"For the kids to get new backpacks, it helps out a lot," Smith said. "There's a lot of parents out here that cannot afford to get their kids school uniforms and school supplies and everything."

Everyone looks forward to the event because there is a school emphasis.

"My favorite part of school is to learn everything, and read and learn how to count to 100," said third-grader Jada Smith.

Lessons that surprisingly begin at a neighborhood parade before the first day of class.