JACKSON, MS (Mississippi News Now) -
The Metro Youth Initiative, in conjunction with Walmart, the U.S. Army/Jackson recruitment office, and other partners, held a party-style educational summit Saturday morning.
The groups worked together to give out hundreds of bags full of school supplies.
"I think last count was over 900. That's how many bags were made. The Walmart employees were the ones helping to give them out," says Correy Retzloff, Commanding Officer of the U.S. Army/Jackson Recruiting Company.
"It's helping me because I got four kids, I'm struggling. It's a big help to me," says Linda Boyd of Jackson.
Guests also enjoyed free food and entertainment.
This is the eighth year for the educational summit, which was held at the Jackson Medical Mall for many of those years.
"It's also about focus. Focus starts at home. It doesn't start in the classroom," says Gus McCoy, President of the Metro Youth Initiative. "I've always believed our teachers need to be supplemented better. The only way to supplement is for the community go get together, encourage our kids to do better in school, stay focused."
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