'Youth Opposed to Violence Everywhere' offers free school supplies to MPS students

 

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Milwaukee Public Schools' early calendar students go back to classes next week, and ahead of that, a campaign's calling for "no empty seats." Community members are working to make that a reality. 

It's people of all ages making a difference. Some Milwaukee Public Schools (MPS) students, some parents, and even some grandparents, are sponsoring a backpack giveaway on Milwaukee's north side.

The backpack giveaway's goal is to bring people together and end gun violence. 

Janiayah Burnett and Myyona Collins handed out flyers for a back-to-school event sponsored by "Youth Opposed to Violence Everywhere." The summer months may be a break from school, but they are not a break from gun violence. 

"I just hope everyone had a safe summer," said Burnett, an MPS student who is also a part of Youth Opposed to Violence.

Burnett kept her mind off violence by making bracelets for an upcoming event called "Youth Opposed to Violence's Back-to-School Party" in Park Falls. This event will take place two days before the first day of classes on the MPS early calendar.

"In our meetings over the summer, they wanted all their friends that left for the summer break to return to school safe, ready to start school," said Reverand Robin Hood with Men Opposed to Violence Everywhere.

Rev. Robin Hood's organization talks safety to children, men and women. This year, Milwaukee has seen 15 young people shot to death. That is on the organizers' minds as they get ready to host the backpack giveaway.

"It's just not only to bring awareness, but also to get to know one another, to know who you're surrounded around," said Tiarra Hood with Youth Opposed to Violence Everywhere.

"We've got some great prizes, some great food, and most of all, we've got the resources. Backpacks that are full of stuff for kids when they get ready to go to school two days later," said Rev. Hood. 

Their last campaign, "No Empty Seats for MPS," is a push to give students what they need to be successful. That includes safety. 

The weekend event includes free school supplies, food, and games. This event will take place at McGovern Park in area one from noon to 3 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 12.