PORTSMOUTH, Va. — With just under two weeks until Portsmouth students return to the classroom, dozens of families gathered Wednesday for the first annual Back to School Block Party on Washington Street.

Hosted by Mercy Chefs, the event aimed to ease the financial burden many parents face during the back-to-school season.

Free school supplies, food, music, and community resources were available for families at no cost.

“We got book bags, and they stuffed the book bags with all kinds of stuff,” said Crystal Swain, a Portsmouth mother of three. “Things they can eat, pencils, and things they can take to school.”

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Swain said school supp

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