WILLIAMSON COUNTY, ILLINOIS (WSIL) -- A neighborhood back-to-school bash in Marion continues to grow bigger each year.
Several dozen were at John Jones Park Saturday afternoon where community members joined together to give away more than 300 backpacks filled with school supplies.
Free food, games and prizes for the kids were included as well as water slides and bounce houses.
James Gunn, who helped to organize the event, says it's all about preparing students to return to school with what they need while helping parents who may be going through a difficult time.
"Some of them are struggling, especially with the pandemic and all that, lost jobs and whatever, so this is a big help to a lot of people and I'm just glad to be a part of it, honestly it makes me feel good," he explains. "This is all about giving back for the kids so they'll be able to start a school year with everything they need and be prepared to take on the year."
The event is a collaboration between local businesses, the Boyton Center and the City of Marion.
It was started more than 30 years ago by Marion local Joe Marshall.
