Bookstore to hold backpack giveaway

LANSDALE >> As students prepare to head back to school, they can pick up free supplies during A Back To School Bash this weekend in downtown Lansdale.

The third-annual event, hosted by The Black Reserve Bookstore, will take place from noon to 4 p.m. on Sunday in the hallway next to the shop, located at 319 W. Main St., No. 8, in Lansdale.

Owner Shaykh Anwar Muhammad said he has about 150 backpacks packed and ready for children’s and teens to pick up.

“Who doesn’t need school supplies?” Muhammad asked.

Along with “masks, water bottles [and] headphones,” Muhammad said the book bags contain several types of school supplies including pens, pencils, markers, crayons, colored pencils, three-ring binders, and notebooks.

The backpacks range in colors and sizes for children and teens in elementary, middle and high school, according to Muhammad.

“I can’t reiterate enough that it’s a free event and I feel that for you’re a young student everybody should ... take advantage of this event,” Muhammad said.

Food and drinks will also be available for purchase, according to Muhammad.

Hot dogs will cost $2 and drinks and chips will be sold for $1, with proceeds benefiting future back-toschool events.

Additionally, fellow Lansdale businesses will be helping kids get a fresh back-toschool hairdo during the event. Devin Williams, of Devinaire Styles Hair Studio, will be providing haircuts and fades for the boys, while Shantel Wilkins, of Anointed Xpressions, will offer girls “simple braids” and “press and curl.”

While appointments aren’t necessary, Muhammad said the salon is asking that girls come with their hair washed and blowdried.

Muhammad called this weekend’s event “a celebration ... to get back into school.”

“My whole thing with the children is the smiles on their faces is enough for me,” he said. “I just want them to enjoy themselves and the atmosphere and everything.”

For more information on the event, visit The Black Reserve Bookstore’s Facebook page.