With the beginning of the school year approaching, some families struggle to provide school supplies for their children. In Syracuse, Mary Nelson is ensuring all students will have the supplies they need on the first day of school.

For the 18th year, she hosted the Youth Day Barbecue at Sankofa Park on Saturday, giving children free backpacks to fill up with school supplies.

What started out as a small event has grown exponentially over the years, with over a thousand kids expected to pick up supplies.

In addition to the free supplies, the event also offered a complimentary meal and health services, including free dental checkups for children. Nelson says she hopes events like these will continue to unite the community.