Block Party Brings Backpacks and Fun for Children in Northwest Atlanta

It’s back-to-school time and many students are returning to the classroom without all the supplies they need to be successful. That’s why Invest Atlanta and child literacy nonprofit, Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc., partnered to distribute 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to children in underserved communities. They’re hosting a Back-to-School Block Party, Saturday, Sept. 7 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 28, Zone 2 at 1925 Hollywood Rd. in Atlanta.

“We want to empower and educate our children,” said FeFe Handy, CEO and Founder of Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc. “They should be focused on learning in the classroom, not worrying about basic needs like notebooks, pens and paper.”

“We’re committed to sustaining our competitive advantage as a city and our children are a vital part of that,” said Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed. “We want our young people to have everything they need to be successful contributors not just to Atlanta, but to the nation and the world.”

“I want the children in my district and throughout the city to be ready for success,” said Felicia Moore, Council Member, District 9. “I know these families will be grateful for our city’s support in helping their children prepare for academic excellence.”

Invest Atlanta, the economic development arm of the city, is working to ensure that Atlanta continues to be a world-class city. A key part of reaching that goal involves preparing the city’s future leaders to be productive and successful.

The backpack event will give elementary school students from the Northwest neighborhood exposure to high-profile professionals in the city.

“This may be the first time the students get to meet attorneys, commercial and business development leaders, housing finance professionals or entrepreneurs,” said Dawn Luke, Managing Director of Housing Finance, for Invest Atlanta. “Our presence in the community means students can dream a bigger dream.”

Other block party activities will include a mounted police patrol, clowns and a fire truck tour. There will also be free food for parents and children. Families should arrive early because backpack supplies are limited.

About Invest Atlanta

Invest Atlanta is the official economic development authority for the City of Atlanta.  Its purpose is to strengthen Atlanta’s economy and global competitiveness in order to create increased opportunity and prosperity for the people of Atlanta.

Chaired by the Mayor of Atlanta, and governed by a nine-member board of directors, Invest Atlanta’s programs and initiatives focus on developing and fostering public/private partnerships to create jobs, grow the economy, revitalize neighborhoods, attract investment, spur innovation, and encourage entrepreneurship. To achieve these goals, Invest Atlanta leverages the benefits of bond financing, revolving loan funds, housing financing, tax increment financing (TIF), and tax credits.   

For more information, visit http://investatlanta.com.

About the Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc.

Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc. is a nonprofit 501(c)3 literacy organization for elementary students.  Page Turners’ mission is to motivate and instill a love of reading in a child at an early age.  

Since its inception in 2003, the founder of Page Turners continues her mission to raise literacy awareness by hosting reading campaigns and providing books to deserving students throughout metropolitan Atlanta. Page Turners provides opportunities for volunteers and community leaders to partner in shaping the lives of students who are reading at or below grade level and who possess poor reading habits.  Volunteers who participate in Page Turners’ read-a-thons are asked to read aloud to students, express in their own words why reading is important and explain how reading involves their occupation.  Through this approach, the Page Turners’ program demonstrates how classroom learning relates to the real world and the workplace; thereby increasing word and world knowledge. 

For more information regarding Page Turners Make Great Learners, Inc., please contact FeFe Handy at FeFeHandy@PTMGL.com.