Throngs flooded PWCC for a back-to-school giveaway on Tuesday

Countless school children, parents, and guardians streamed through the Phillis Wheatley Center on Tuesday for a massive school supply giveaway.

Meredith Walker, the chief operations officer for the center, said they gave away over 300 stuffed backpacks with school supplies, and vendors provided free hot dogs and burgers and free haircuts.

Walker said, “I do not have the exact retail value for these items.

“But if the average backpack is worth $30 and we’re giving away over 300, then it would easily be over $10,000 worth of school supplies,” Walker said.

Cars filled the parking lot and lined side streets around the campus and the nearby former Hattie Duckett Elementary School, now the Fine Arts Center, the first of its kind high school in South Carolina.

Many others walked from their nearby homes in the apartments and single-family homes of the Nicholtown community.

What a festive spirit all exhibited.  And why not?

There was free food for all.

Hot dogs and burgers, and drinks.

There were games galore.

Live DJ music furnished by DJ Bran.

Two mobile health vehicles were on hand to help any ailing souls in distress.

All was well since the rain and overcast sky kept the temperature well within the modern zone.

The center opened its doors at about 5:30.

Vendors had set up their operations by 5:00.

After a 3-party crew had set up our display table, distributed business cards and flyers, and I had taken about 30 photographs, it was time to leave.

On our way out of the parking lot, we heard an announcement that all the supplies were gone.

Children lingered and frolicked on into the evening.

A few weary parents slowly filed out, carrying full bags of school supplies, and sauntered home.

So much for the grand back-to-school giveaway for this year.

Some of the administrative staff were new at the center.  Now they fully grasp the magnitude of this annual event.

We can only imagine how much grander it will be next year.

Meredith Walker, chief operating officer

Dr. Mae Jones, executive director