Volunteers helped sort and distribute backpacks that were provided to students returning to school. (photo by William Kidston)

Big Sunday recently hosted its 10th annual Back-to-School Drive and Community Dinner at the organization’s headquarters on Melrose Avenue. More than 250 people of all ages helped sort and pack supplies to send kids back to school well-equipped. Big Sunday collected more than 2,000 backpacks for children at numerous schools serving communities with low-income residents. Supplies included notebooks, pencil pouches, pens, pencils, crayons, markers, colored pencils, erasers, glue sticks and more. Participants also wrote and decorated cards that were placed in the backpacks as personal messages to each child starting a new school year.

Since 1999, Big Sunday has successfully brought people to help each other and those in need in the community. Located at 6111 Melrose Ave., Big Sunday has numerous opportunities to help throughout the year and is always seeking volunteers. For information, visit bigsunday.org.