Special speakers at today’s event included Mayor Bill Bell, Mayor Pro Tem Cora Cole-McFadden, and Chair of Durham School Board of Education Heidi Carter challenged the children to dream big and work hard in school to help make their dreams come true.

The Durham Rescue Mission’s goal with this event each year is to provide new backpacks and school supplies for at-risk children in an effort to encourage them to be excited about going back to school and getting a good start on the new school year!

Our thanks to GlaxoSmithKline and all in the community who helped make this event possible.

Event Totals

4,567 in attendance

3,918 plates of hot dogs and chips served

2,672 backpacks given to needy children

9,500 pieces of clothing given away

1,600 food bags distributed to the needy families