PEORIA, Ill. – With a new school year in Peoria just a couple weeks away, the community is coming together to help get kids ready for the classroom.
The 5th annual One Peoria event, sponsored by State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth and State Senator Dave Koehler, was held Tuesday afternoon at Glen Oak Park.
Families were able to receive backpacks, school supplies, immunizations for their kids, and more at no cost to them. Clear backpacks were available for those kids who needed them, after Peoria Public Schools passed a measure last month to require them for the middle and high schools.
Gordon-Booth says she herself remembers how expensive it was to get school supplies for her own kids.
“Obviously, my husband and I, we can afford it, but it just made me think about all the people in this community who do not have the ability to afford to really get their kids off to a great start first day of school,” Gordon-Booth said.
Gordon-Booth says the event also gives kids a chance to have a fun day out and relax before the start of a new school year. Activities at One Peoria included bounce houses, and snow cones.
Kids were also able to sign up for after-school activities at the event. Organizations such as area non-profits and Peoria first responders were present and mingled with the children in attendance.
