Former Florida State University standout and NFL fullback James Coleman spent Saturday helping Central Florida families start the school year on stronger footing, hosting a backpack and school-supply giveaway in Orlando.
Held at West Oaks Elementary School, the back-to-school event provided more than 300 backpacks packed with classroom necessities, including notebooks, pens, crayons, glue and other supplies students need for the year ahead.
Coleman said the supplies inside each backpack were worth roughly $40 to $50.
“It doesn’t sound like a lot, but when you’re kind of stressed on times, that $40 to $50 comes a long way,” Coleman said.
For households with multiple children heading back to class, that kind of help can make a noticeable difference in the family budget.
Thelma Tong, who came to the Orlando school-supply giveaway with her daughters, said getting four children ready for a new school year is both challenging and costly.
“I appreciate it very much,” Tong said. “Without them, we wouldn’t be able to make it out here.”
Coleman estimated that a family receiving four fully stocked backpacks could save around $200 in back-to-school expenses.
He said higher everyday costs are affecting families across the community, including people who may appear financially comfortable.
“The reality is, I make good money and I feel it,” Coleman said. “So I know other people must feel it as well.”
The giveaway was part of Coleman’s seventh annual Community Giveback Week.
Coleman said the event is meant not only to provide supplies, but also to show students that people in their community are invested in their success.
