Scholarship fund hosts backpack and sneaker giveaway in Springfield

Thanks, Nicole. A new school year is approaching for students in Western Massachusetts and preparations are underway. 22 News reporter Claire Overton has how one local family is making a significant impact in helping students get ready for this exciting year ahead. >> Education, education all the way. >> That's what Alvin J. McKenzie was all about. Education in the community and making sure the younger generations know the importance of learning. He came here, got a GED, then he got an assoc associate degree, then a bachelor degree, and if he was still alive, he would get a master degree. I guarantee you that. >> The Alvin J. McKenzie Scholarship Fund continues to give back to the community, not only with college scholarships, but now through their inaugural back to school sneaker and backpack giveaway. >> When he passed away, he wanted to make sure that uh his legacy continued. And the McKenzie family has done that. I've been to ceremonies for scholarship uh efforts at Springfield College and here to give out 1,000 1,000 backpacks, 1,000 pairs of sneakers. >> And even before the event officially started, hundreds of families and children were lined up waiting to get their new backpack and pair of sneakers ahead of the next school year. >> We came here early, so like in the line was already long when we came early, so now it's just longer. Yeah. But it's it's good. Parents and grandparents were not only appreciating the help from the Alvin J. McKenzie scholarship fund when getting their children ready for back to school, but many of the children also understanding the importance. You have the stuff, so you don't need to buy it. It like you can save more money each year, every year. >> A successful event that the McKenzie family has already said will happen again next year. Keeping Alvin's legacy alive. >> School, school, school, and education. That's the model right now.