NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — From friendly pickup games in the sun at the Antioch Community Center families brought the soccer ball inside where Tyler Swanson from Well Point greeted them.
Tyler Swanson works in Community Relations at Wellpoint which puts on Repack the Backpack events across Tennessee. The insurance organization held its last event in Nashville.
"At first a little bit of an awkward interactions but I feel like by the end of the line they are super thrilled they are like peaking over the table trying to see what's next," said Swanson.
As students and teachers enter the homestretch of the school year, Wellpoint handed out free back packs with school supplies to students and families at the Antioch Community Center.
These mid-semester boosts help parents too.
"They don't have to pay for a brand new set of school supplies they can allocate that money somewhere else whether that be a tank of gas or groceries," said Swanson.
Families left the community center more ready for the morning bell on Monday.
Do you have more information about this story? You can email me at (Kim.Rafferty@newschannel5.com).
Here’s a beautiful story of how one mother turned her grief journey into a gathering of gratitude… and organ donation awareness.
Robb Coles highlights a special event organized by Cari Hollis – whose 26-year old son Austin died two years ago. Austin agreed to be an organ donor – and that single gesture saved multiple lives.
Cari reached out to as many recipients she could find – several of whom traveled to Nashville for an emotional celebration in Austin’s honor. One woman – whose life was saved by receiving Austin’s lungs – put it simply: “He’s my angel”.
- Rhori Johnston
