KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — UPDATE (Aug. 11, 2020): Mayor Glenn Jacobs said roughly 2,500 students received school supplies and other goodies during Knox County's second School Mania event.
“Different definitely meant better this year for School Mania,” said Mayor Jacobs. “In such a crazy time, it really makes you feel good to see how our business community came together with my team and other county departments to do something great for a lot of kids.”
Nearly 60 donors and sponsors worked together with the county to put together and distribute the supply bags. The drive-thru event also gave families drinks, snacks and other goodies along the way.
“Seeing the smiles on the kids’ faces and getting to hear about their first days of school or their excitement about starting school, whatever that looks like for their family, was a great way to spend an afternoon,” Jacobs said. “My team is already talking about improvements we can make so that School Mania III is even bigger and even better!”
The remaining food items will be donated to The Love Kitchen, and the remaining supply bags are being donated to the Dream Center to be handed out to local TItle I schools.
Mayor Jacobs said any businesses interested in helping next year can reach out to his office at any time.
Original Story:
Students are invited to pick up school supplies and goodies at School Mania II, the back to school celebration hosted by Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs.
The event will take place from 3-6 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 10 in the parking lot of the Jacob Building in Chilhowee Park via a drive-thru format.
Thanks to the generous support of nearly 60 donors and financial sponsors, the Mayor’s Office said it will distribute 3,000 school supply bags.
Each family will also receive a fun informational bag of goodies. All items are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cars will enter Chilhowee Park via 3500 Knoxville Zoo Drive and follow a one-way traffic flow to exit on Magnolia Ave. A walk-up option will be available at the KAT bus stop located at the corner of Beaman St. and Magnolia Ave., directly across from Perk City.
The event gates will open at 2 p.m. to allow cars to assemble, but no school supply bags will be distributed until 3 p.m.
Attendees are asked to remain in their vehicles to allow for safe physical distancing.