U.S. Representative Kendrick B. Meek Partners with Community Leaders at Back to School Supplies Giveaway
in Overtown and Liberty City

Miami, FL – Congressman Kendrick B. Meek (D-FL) co-hosted a Back to School Supplies Giveaway in Miami's Overtown and Liberty City on August 15th in co-operation with Wal-Mart, Greater Bethel AME Church, WEDR-FM 99JAMZ and HOT105.

Meek, joined by his daughter Lauren, 12, son Kendrick Jr., 10, community leaders and volunteers distributed over 1000 book bags and school supplies to community youth at two separate events at Williams Park in Overtown and at Charles Hadley Park in Liberty City.

"Our kids are the real winners at this give away and thanks to Wal-Mart who generously provided all the book bags and school supplies, these students are now better prepared to start the school year off on the right foot," said Congressman Kendrick B. Meek. "I want everyone here today to walk into school ready to learn."

The book bags were provided by Wal-Mart and filled with pens, pencils, glue, papers, folders and erasers purchased at the Wal-Mart Supercenter Store located at 151 SW 184th Avenue in Pembroke Pines, Florida.

"Wal-Mart operates on a 'Store of the Community' model where we merchandise and give to charity based on the immediate needs of the communities we serve. It is really special when the opportunity to work with groups like Greater Bethel AME Church and leaders like Congressman Kendrick Meek coincides with our commitment to giving back and helping families save money so they can live better lives -- especially at Back to School time. We were privileged to participate in this event and hope the students will start the year on a strong foot," said Duane Noveh, Market Manager for Wal-Mart Stores, Inc.

Greater Bethel AME Church in Overtown invited local youth to attend the giveaway at Williams Park and co-hosted the event with Congressman Meek.

"We here at Greater Bethel AME Church in Overtown are delighted to play a role in this great event," said Pastor Milton Broomfield. "We are just happy to be here with Congressman Kendrick Meek. This is what we do best - helping our community and if we can put a smile on a child's face, then we really have done our jobs."

Local Miami radio hosts Lorenzo "Ice Tea" Thomas of WEDR 99JAMZ and James T of HOT105 promoted the August 15th giveaway on their afternoon radio programs.

"This is great because we got all these supplies for free," said elementary school student Tatiana Ford. "I am even more excited now for the school year to begin."

U.S. Rep. Kendrick B. Meek represents the 17th Congressional District of Florida which includes parts of Miami-Dade and Broward Counties. He serves on the House Committee on Armed Services and is the lone Floridian sitting on the House Committee on Ways and Means.

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