Free backpacks, haircuts draw nearly 500 families to Jacksonville church’s back-to-school giveaway

With the first day of school in Duval County set for Monday, Saint Paul A.M.E. Church opened its doors Saturday to help families get ready, drawing nearly 500 families for its annual Back-to-School Bash. The giveaway at the church on New Kings Road provided free backpacks and school supplies, along with clothing, shoes and haircuts. Parents and students lined up outside the church before the doors opened.