TAMPA, Fla. — Black Lives Matter: Tampa is giving back to the community in a big way.
The organization raised more than $10,000 last month to give school supplies to kids in need.
From backpacks to crayons, no kid or family was turned away.
"When we say Black lives matter, we mean by extension all lives, right? Rising water raises all boats and so we didn't say who could or could not come," says Donna Davis with Black Lives Matter: Tampa.
Davis says the kids lit up when they saw their special backpacks, some even with characters.
It is just a small part of what the group is doing to make a difference.
"Along with the backpack drive we have started a health screening on the first Saturday of the month," explains Tati Orengo. That's where people can get things like their blood pressure checked.
Organizers say these health screenings are important because those issues often go untreated in marginalized communities.
They are also doing mental health help on Zoom for people in the community.
"When you're attempting to lay siege to an empire that oppresses you use every aspect. You use art, you use economists, you use publicists, singers and dancers. We're looking to touch our community in so many ways that our love and care for them is just wrapped around them and the backpack drive was just one of those things," explains Davis.
You can follow their efforts on Facebook by clicking here.
