Since Wykesha Sanders moved to Gary from Mississippi this past year, she and her three sons have been acclimating themselves to the neighborhood.
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They learned a lot about available community resources — and had a good time playing games and joining in other activities — at the 15th annual Back-to-School Jamboree at Indiana University Northwest.
“The boys just got school supplies and their new haircuts look great,” Sanders said, as the boys exited barber chairs after getting free cuts. “This is wonderful. It shows people care about the kids in the community.”
Sponsored by state Rep. Vernon Smith, D-Gary, for the past 15 years, the event has helped thousands of families to make sure their children had necessities needed for returning to school. The impetus to start the event was two-fold, according to Smith.
“We wanted to make sure children understand how important education is in their lives,” Smith said while working the food table at the event. “And we’re also here to celebrate that education.”
Milan Dennie, owner of King Milan’s Barber Shop on Grant Street in Gary, and two of his barbers volunteered free services.
“This is our 11th year at this event,” Dennie said. “It’s our way of giving back to the community that supports us. We’ve got a big crowd today. Some say they love me and are giving me big hugs. And a big percentage say they want to become new customers.”
Organizations such as Community HealthNet, Family Compass Foster Parenting and The Gary Crisis Center made representatives available to discuss their various services at more than a dozen resource booths.
“We’re new to Gary, and with four kids, it’s taking a lot of time to see what’s out there,” said Latisha Brown, as she talked with Diana Sandlin of the University Park East Choice Neighborhoods organization. “It’s important to me that we get involved in a lot of areas here for the kids sake.”
Sandlin’s organization lists numerous goals to improve communities and lives of residents — such as improving public transportation among many others.
Many activities were on the day’s agenda, such as craft tables for kids to draw watercolor masterpieces. Video game competition on two large-screen monitors and a three-on-three basketball tournament rounded out the morning’s activities.
“I can’t say enough good things about this jamboree they give each year,” Raylene Johnson of Gary said. “I’ve come for the past three years and everyone is so friendly and caring. This sure helps a family stretch their budget when we have to get the kids back to school. God bless these people who volunteer for this.”
Sue Ellen Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.