Urban League's back-to-school expo helps thousands of St. Louis students in need

ST. LOUIS - Thousands of students get a big boost ahead of the new school year as the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis' back-to-school expo returned this weekend.

Organizers say it's about making sure kids have the tools they need to succeed, especially after a tough summer for many families.

The event, which took place at the Urban League headquarters on North Kingshighway, is one of the organization's largest outreach efforts of the year. Sponsored by Nike and community partners, the expo distributed nearly $400,000 worth of school supplies, food, groceries, toiletries, and personal protective equipment to families in need.

"The line has been from Kingshighway all the way back to Grand. We expect to serve up to 5,000 people today," said Michael McMillan, Urban League President & CEO.

Cars were lined up for hours before the event began, with some families arriving as early as 6 a.m. for the noon start. The drive-thru format allowed families to remain in their vehicles while volunteers loaded backpacks, notebooks, and other essentials directly into their trunks, ensuring a quick and safe process.

The expo's impact is particularly crucial this year for families still recovering from severe weather, including a tornado that struck three months ago. In addition to school supplies, the event provided tornado disaster relief items and health and safety resources.

"We want to make sure we give the children everything they need to succeed," McMillan added. "And look at everything that's happened with the tornado three months ago. It's even more important because so many people lost everything."

Next Saturday, Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., the Urban League will hold another drive and offer school students these same free health services.

This includes physical exams and immunizations, health screenings, dental services and vision and hearing exams, along with more tornado disaster relief resources.

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