‘Everyone has to give a little something back’

Three-year-old Londyn Dorsey, 3, picked a bright pink book bag during the village of Cahokia’s second annual book bag giveaway and free haircut event on Saturday.

“I got lots of stuff in my book bag,” Londyn said with a smile.

Her brother Treveon Dorsey, 9, said he was excited about going back to school, which starts Aug. 15.

He said he loves to read and wants to read more history and stories about how others live, work and play.

Their mother, Lakeesha Rhodes, said she was happy Cahokia Mayor Curtis McCall, Jr., hosted the free family event, which was held at the old YMCA fitness building in Cahokia.

“We like community events like this. I like it when they do things for the kids,” Rhodes said. “I am an active member in community and I like events like this for the community. There are a lot of people here who can’t afford book bags, school supplies and haircuts for their children. This is a huge help. And it’s a fun outing for families.”

McCall walked through the crowd talking to attendees.

“This day is for you and your children,” he said. “We want you to enjoy yourselves and get your children ready to go back to school. I want every kid to have a good jump start to their school year.”

McCall said this year’s event was bigger and better than the one last year.

“It’s not just about the book bag giveaway. It’s about bringing the community together,” he said. “The police are here mingling with parents and their children. It’s a wonderful opportunity for both sides to meet and talk to each other. We want Cahokia to be a big happy family.”

Music filled the air and children danced everywhere on the parking lot. Some of the children were outside enjoying train rides.

Lonnetta Johnson brought her two boys, Antoine and Armone Campbell, to the event.

Antoine, 6, said he liked his book bag. He showed off the notebooks, crayons, markers, erasers, glue, scissors, notebook paper and other stuff that was inside. “I got lots of stuff for school,” he said.

His younger brother Armone, 4, said he was ready for preschool. He said he plans to learn how “to spell my name, read and write. I want to learn a lot of stuff,” he said.

Johnson said she brought her kids out “to have a nice time and enjoy the day. I also came out to take advantage of the giveaway and to enjoy the free food. This is a great event,” she said.

About 1,500 book bags were handed out during the event.

“Being an educator myself, I know the importance of having the necessary materials to be successful in school,” McCall said. “The first day sets the tone for the rest of the year.”

McCall is a health and physical education teacher at Cahokia High School.

Neighborhood barbers provided free haircuts.

Tommy Winfield from Twins Barbershop said he came out to give back to the community. He said he understands how families are struggling to make ends meet and if “I can do a haircut and keep a family from having to worry about that, I am happy.”

Stacy Lott, another barber at the event, said “Everyone has to give a little something back. If we all do something to help someone out, the world will be a better place.”

Lott said he knows a haircut may seem like a small something to some, but for many families it is a big help. “I just want to do my part to make a difference. Look around at all of these people who are here. When they leave they will be happy. Their happiness makes me happy,” Lott said.

Safari Dental provided free dental services to attendees.

Several St. Clair County officials were on hand including County Board Chairman Mark Kern, St. Clair County Investigator Calvin Dye, Sr. and County Clerk Kahala Clay.

Clay said the event is a “wonderful opportunity for parents to get some supplies for their children.”

“I have always been a strong proponent of education. No one can ever take the knowledge and understanding that is inside of your head away from you,” she said. “I also believe that if you train a child in the way that he or she should grow, they will keep growing.”

This story was originally published August 7, 2016 at 3:45 PM with the headline "‘Everyone has to give a little something back’."