"We just came to love on this community like we do and like we've been doing," said Lorraine Wright of the Trauma Healing Response Network.

The event featured fun, games and dancing while addressing practical needs for students preparing to return to school. With help from the Department of Justice Services, the organization distributed 1,000 donated backpacks to children in attendance.

"We have to make sure that these kids have these book bags and supplies," Wright said.

Beyond school supplies, the event offered free haircuts to help students look their best for the new school year.

"We need to make sure they look presentable and they feel good about themselves because all of that comes into play when we talk about how folks respond to one another and engage with one another out there

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