Community leaders hold back to school bash in east Austin

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Hundreds of families showed up to Rosewood Park in east Austin Saturday for the annual back to school bash.

Event organizers helped pass out backpacks, school supplies, new shoes and clothes to help families prepare for the first day of school.

"It is so important because it is still an underserved community, in a sense, and it is being gentrified. So our people that you see out here today really need these resources we are bringing right to them," said Antony Jackson, with 'We Can Now'.

Jackson grew up in east Austin and gives back whenever he can.

"I know not everybody has the money or the means to go out and purchase new clothes, new shoes, new everything so we just want to do our part and team up and do the best we can do," said Darius Spears, who helped organize the event.

The event also had food, snow cones, live DJs and carnival rides for all the kids.

"We are just here to support the community. We want to really put forth for the next generation coming up, we want to show them that there are others ways to do things, there are businesses you can have," said Bryce Harris, with You Are Our Future Foundation.

Harris said his organization is dedicated to empowering underserved youth by breaking down educational barriers.

The event also held a raffle to give away bicycles.

Event organizers tell KXAN they hope to hold another event next year as well.