As families in the Mid-South brace for the return to school, Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane and Memphis-Shelby County Schools brought some much-needed cheer and assistance through the annual "Bane’s Backpacks" event. The giveaway, now in its fourth iteration, saw a partnership with MSCS to distribute backpacks and school supplies to students in preparation for the 2024-25 school year.
The doors of the Memphis Sports and Event Center swung open to eagerly awaiting families, with lines forming hours before the event began. According to The Daily Memphian, more than 300 people patiently queued to meet the basketball star and to swiftly grab school essentials. The echoes of appreciation were not just heard but also felt, as more than 3,000 backpacks made their way into eager hands.
Highlighting the impact this initiative has on the community, Bane shared with WREG how it's "been great seeing the smile on these kids’ faces is priceless." Moreover, the event has continued to grow, making each year more significant than the last. "We're getting bigger and bigger each year," Bane said, marking the enduring sponsorship and community engagement fueling this charitable occasion.
Not only were backpacks and supplies up for grabs but parents and children also benefited from additional services such as immunization shots and assistance with school registration. Describing the event as a "one-stop shop," parent Jasmine Bean expressed to Action News 5 "I think the children need to experience the things that we can do together as a community for our children." The highlight for many young fans was undoubtedly the chance to interact directly with Bane, to shake his hand, and to capture a memory with a photo.
Reflecting on the significance of interaction, Desmond Bane revealed how meeting role models was a distant dream in his youth. "Having people that I looked up to and thought the world of and never getting the chance to meet them or interact with them," Bane told Action News 5, admitting how much it means "to shake their hand and take a picture with them." His personal experiences have clearly influenced his philanthropy, fostering a close-knit feeling within the Memphis community as they rally to support their young scholars.
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