Mary Nelson organized the first Back-to-School Barbeque 19 years ago as part of an effort to reduce violence in her neighborhood. Besides the school supplies, she treated children and their families to a full-scale outdoor barbeque.
Mary wanted to do something about the violence affecting children in the community. In 2002, the first year the event was held, there were 850 youths and their parents in attendance.
Every year thereafter, the event has grown in record numbers. Every year our community is unified together to make sure our children were ready for the upcoming school year and the Mary Nelson Youth Center collected the backpacks and school supplies.
All school supply donations can be made at the Mary Nelson Youth Center at 2849 S Salina St
Join us on Saturday, August 20th from 11AM-6PM for this year's event on the corner of S Salina St and Wood Avenue
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