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Creative Girls Rock hosts a drive-thru school supply drive

They passed out 300 backpacks full of supplies
Posted at 3:54 PM, Sep 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-09-13 08:11:48-04

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Metro Nashville Public School students haven't sat in their classrooms since March when the pandemic began. Even with virtual classes, the need for school supplies is still great for a lot of families.

"Never ever ever have I encountered anything like this," said Thomas Chapelle, principal at Moses McKissack Middle School in North Nashville. "Making sure that students still get the same support and the families get the same support that they would need if we were in person."

So the organization Creative Girls Rock came up with a one stop shop.

"They come in, they drive in, they let us know many backpacks they have. We give it to them," said Charmin Bates, the president and founder of Creative Girls Rock.

The Back to School bash officially started at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, but cars started lining up an hour early. Volunteers and school teachers helped pass out 300 backpacks filled to the zipper with school supplies. "Dry erase boards, dry erase markers, color pencils, markers," explained Bates.

The backpacks featured some life essentials too like toothbrushes, shirts and socks.

While the students were checking out their new goodies, parents could also register to vote.

"We just want to make sure people know when to vote," said Jessica Rich, the president of the National Pan-Hellenic Council of Nashville. "So why not pick up a voter registration card at the same time?"

Before cars pulled away, the Tennessee National Guard was also dishing out free Little Caesar's pizzas.

When there were rare breaks between streams of cars, some of the volunteers also found time for little socially distanced dance breaks.

Charmin Bates says her favorite part was just gathering safely with the North Nashville community. "That’s what matters most right now. We need each other the most during this time frame," she said.

If you'd like to learn more about other Creative Girls Rock programs, go to their website at https://www.creativegirlsrock.org/.