Families attend back-to-school celebration in Bay St. Louis

BAY ST. Louis, Miss. (WLOX) – The nonprofit organization Retrofit held a back-to-school celebration for families at MLK Park in Bay St. Louis.

Community leaders have helped organize an event for the children to enjoy before they start school next week. The celebration included music, food, and each child left home with a backpack full of school supplies. Volunteer Candace Johnson said this is the first year the organization has returned after a two-year hiatus due to COVID.

“It’s the first year that we have been back in the park and the children are running, playing and jumping. Food, fun and games,” Johnson said.

A few months ago, local leaders added a new splashpad to the park. Bryson Jones, 10, said the new addition to the park has helped him stay cool over the summer holidays.

“We just came here to have fun. It’s hot outside and I just came here to have fun,” Jones said.

The volunteers also distributed bags filled with toiletries for the elderly.

The organization, The Village, also hosted a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for kids. President Leo Hawkins said they would continue to organize events for children in the community.

“I have an eleven year old son and I want him to grow up in a good community. I want him to have opportunities, so it’s kind of selfish, but at the same time I’m giving back,” Hawkins said.

The Retrofit organization is hosting a free movie night on August 20 at MLK Park.

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