(Louisville, KY) Jefferson County Public Schools, (JCPS) are starting to prepare for the start of a new year.  It’s time to get students ready.  Do you need assistance with school supplies? Withers Academy of Music, (WAM!) will host a Back to School Drive on Saturday, August 12th in the 400 block of East Oak Street from 12:00pm to 4:00pm.

The back pack and school supply giveaway is free to area youth.  Come out and enjoy free food, a live DJ thanks to D. Mawl Vibes and interactive booths.  This year’s goal is to give away approximately 400 backpacks with supplies.

This will be a fun and safe environment for the family to enjoy.  WAM! organizers will block streets from Jackson to Preston so kids can just be kids, running around and having fun while parents work to make sure their child can compete with their peers by having the necessary supplies essential to be successful in the classroom.

Marcus Withers of WAM! says “We want to make sure that youth in our community start fresh, rejuvenated and prepared for the school year.  Without the proper supplies, some students fall behind very quickly, get discouraged and never seem to get caught up.  I believe if you give children a fish, you nourish them for a day.  You teach them to fish and you provide them with life skills that nourish them for life. On August 12th, the youth will begin to fish as we instill in them the importance of education, community pride and volunteerism.”

This event would not be possible without the support of the following:  Big Brothers Big Sisters, 400 Inc., D. Mawl Vibes, Nimbus, Savoy Fitness and the countless volunteers and supporters.  A special thank you to former University of Louisville Basketball star and current ESPN 93.9 on air personality Marques Maybin for serving as this year’s spokesman.

We want youth and their parents/guardians to walk away from our event feeling good about their backpacks and all of the supplies. If you would like to donate to WAM! please contact them by calling 502-414-4009.  To learn more about the Withers Academy of Music or how you can volunteer go to www.twame.org.

We would like for you to please announce and/or if you would like to setup an interview with a member of WAM please contact VIPP Communications at interviewrequest@vippcommunications.com or by calling 502-295-0435.

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WAM! is a nonprofit organization whose strategic focus is to develop self-actualized youth by improving access to quality out-of-school time programming for pre-teens and teenagers labeled as vulnerable, at-risk, or high-risk.   We seek to engage, empower and inspire youth ages 9-18 to enjoy, expand, experience and participate in the world of music.   Our evidenced based after school academy and summer cultural exploration camp activities include music appreciation, music production & entertainment, sound production, social media management, art & design and mix academy.