Plant City youth got free school supplies, food and more at the second annual Youth Explosion event.
Held from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 1 at Marie B. Ellis Park, the event not only helped kids get ready for the upcoming 2020-21 school year but also gave them a fun day to remember.
“The occasion was a success in spite of the new norm and change in our society,” Rudyne Lee said. “Everyone was masked up and social distancing was maintained throughout the event.”
Kids at the Youth Explosion event and families around Plant City were given back packs filled with school supplies, games, books and sporting goods like basketballs, footballs and baseballs. Farin Ellis made 100 masks for children and parents.
Rise and Explore the Dream, a group Lee is a member of, hosts the annual event. The group’s mission is “to encourage and motivate individuals to become self-sufficient, productive and responsible citizens in our diverse society.”
“As a community, we must connect and contribute to shaping our youth to be determined and dedicated in order to fulfill their dreams,” Lee said.