Last weekend, Baltimore City students experienced not only the joy of a community event but also the tangible support for their educational journey. State’s Attorney Ivan J. Bates and the Office of the State’s Attorney for Baltimore City (SAO) came together to host their 2nd Annual Back to School Cookout & Backpack Giveaway, as reported by the State's Attorney's Office.
The Eastside District Court grounds turned into a center of community bonding and generosity, where SAO employees and supporters had toiled to gather school supplies, culminating in the giveaway of 1000 backpacks to the young attendees. Bates highlighted the importance of such events in a statement obtained by the State's Attorney's Office: "All too often, we associate a prosecutor’s office solely with punishment. But it is important to remember that my prosecutors and I live and work in this city and want to see our young people thrive," he said. He further stressed that prepared students are poised not only to succeed but to actively contribute to Baltimore's future.
The SAO had also sparked a friendly competition internally, challenging their various units to donate the most school supplies. The Charging Division emerged victorious with a donation of 1,170 items, closely followed by the Homicide team's nearly 950 items. The collective effort of all units resulted in over 5,000 backpacks and school supplies ready to be handed over to grateful students.
The success of the cookout and backpack distribution could not be fully credited to the SAO alone; it was made possible by a robust list of supporters. Entities such as Coca-Cola Consolidated, MedStar Health, Baltimore City Public Schools, and a host of others came together to back this noble cause, in efforts to quite literally provide the tools needed for the academic battle these kids are to embark upon. The full list of contributors and a broader glimpse of the festivities can be found at the State's Attorney's official event page.
