BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — As the first day of school approaches in central Alabama, local organizations are joining forces to ensure students are prepared. For 30 years, the R.E.S.P.E.C.T. organization, in collaboration with Birmingham City Schools, has hosted a back-to-school rally to provide students and families with essential resources and supplies.
Kalisha Jones, a parent and former educator, emphasized the importance of such events. “It’s really important because most people don’t understand that most kids don’t have everything that all the other kids have,” she said. “So, to have events like this, everybody has the chance to come back with the same amount of things, nobody has to feel like they’re left out.”
Jones highlighted the significance of starting the school year prepared. “You don’t know what their personal situation is, so to be able to come out and they still have it, it helps a lot,” she said. “With me, I work overnight, so sometimes I may miss things, or not be able to make it—but with this—I’m able to have this for a backup.”…