Tampa, Fla. – Nearly 800 brand new backpacks were given away last week at the University Area Community Center to Tampa students, by Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor in partnership with University Area CDC’s Get Moving! program.
The 785 thrilled students receiving the new backpacks also enjoyed refreshments and visiting with Agholor. Five hundred of the backpacks, donated by Agholor’s sponsor, Adidas, were stuffed with valuable school supplies. Agholor supplied the additional backpacks. Students who wished for them were also given free back-to-school haircuts by a local barber.
“When students are prepared with the necessary supplies, it gives them more confidence and a better ability to start the school year on solid footing,” said University Area CDC Health and Wellness Coordinator, Ronnie Oliver. “These backpacks and supplies help to ease the back-to-school shopping burden, and give our youth a better opportunity to succeed in the classroom. We were thrilled to partner with Nelson on this effort and are amazed by his dedication to the community and giving back. It truly made a difference in the lives of these students today.”
Backpack recipients were students in grades Kindergarten through 12 and residents of zip codes 33612 and 33613.
Celebrating its 20th year of serving the community, University Area Community Development Corporation (CDC) offers support for thousands of Tampa residents through youth programs, adult education and resource assistance. Its primary mission is the redevelopment and sustainability of the at-risk areas surrounding University of South Florida’s Tampa campus. For more information about University Area CDC, visit www.uacdc.org or call 813.558.5212.