Supporting “Youth Explosion”
A free Back to School event hosted by Pastor Torin Dailey and First Baptist Church of Oakland, and several national partners, included contributions by attorney Wayne Hogan, of Terrell • Hogan law firm. Hogan presented “Youth Explosion” with a monetary contribution, as well as identification tags for backpacks distributed during the event.
“I wanted to help the children of the many families who line-up very early in the morning for the school supplies they need. Once the school year starts, it’s important for the kids to be able to keep track of their own backpacks,” said Hogan. “The ID tags the firm provided will help make that happen.”
Event Growing
The “Youth Explosion” event has grown exponentially in a short time. Moving from a community park to Metropolitan Park and now the Jacksonville Fair Grounds, the event boasts some 65 major corporate and community partners, including the Duval County School District represented by Superintendent Nikolai Vitti and School Board members, a score of volunteers, and between 10,000 to 12,000 participants. Hogan was introduced by State Senator Audrey Gibson, who works with the Terrell • Hogan personal injury and wrongful death law firm.
A partner in educating the community, including presentations about the dangers of distracted driving and free swimming lessons for underprivileged youth, Hogan was pleased to once again support the continuing outreach by the organizers. First Baptist Church of Oakland has a long history of helping particularly Eastside families focus on quality of life issues. “Youth Explosion” reaches well beyond the church walls, and the surrounding area, and helps children from all over the city. This year’s event provided more than 6,000 backpacks, and thousands of school supplies, and resource items for teachers. “Youth Explosion” serves the entire family, with health and wellness booths, nutrition and insurance information, grooming by local cosmetology students, and countless other resources.