By PENNY FLETCHER
penny@observernews.net
Good Samaritan Mission in Balm chose Aug. 16 to host the mission’s annual Back to School giveaway day. An event that started with giving 25 backpacks more than 10 years ago has now grown to include more than 1,000 children and their families.
Area churches, individuals and service organizations collected both food and money; Somebody Cares Tampa Bay supplies the backpacks; Wal-Mart donated 900 $5 gift cards; and many volunteers donated their skills and time to serve the area’s needy children from kindergarten through 12th grade and their families. The mission, located at 14920 Balm-Wimauma Road is run by the Rev. William Cruz Jr. and his wife, Theresa.
Penny Fletcher photos