KNOX COUNTY, Tenn. — Volunteers gathered on Friday to give away thousands of bags packed with school supplies, helping make sure students across Knox County had the supplies they needed to succeed in class. All available backbags were given away by 4:30 p.m. on Friday during Knox County's annual School Mania event.
Volunteers packed around 6,500 bags of school supplies ahead of School Mania. It was held at the Jacob Building at Chilhowee Park, and Friday marked the sixth year of the event.
"This is an annual event, it's great," said Superintendent Jon Rysewyk. "The community's come together to put together supplies for all students coming back to school."
Cars lined up for the drive-through event on Friday, and volunteers handed out bags packed with school supplies. Each was filled with around $60 worth of supplies. Anyone who needed school supplies could stop by to grab a bag.
The day after School Mania, July 27, faith-based organizations across Knox County will also host back-to-school events. Every location, except for Grace Baptist Church, will be open from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. The church is operating its event from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Different locations are offering supplies in each of the county's districts. A full list of the locations is available on the county's website.
