A coalition of eight North Side churches is sponsoring the annual WE CARE Community Giveaway from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Overby-Sheppard Elementary School, 2300 1st Ave. in Highland Park.

Coordinator Craig Watson said the event has been modified this year because of COVID-19. Instead of a festival at a community center, the event will feature a drive-thru and walk-up giveaway in the school parking lot of boxes packed with food and storage bins packed with school supplies, including lap desks.

“Students will be working virtually when school starts,” Mr. Watson said. “And the school supplies will have things they need like headphones and a lap desk they can use to work on their computers. And the storage bins are for them to use to put all their things away when they are done.”

In addition, Upsilon Nu Chapter of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity will be holding a voter registration drive during the event, and the Capital Area Health Network will be conducting COVID-19 testing.

Fifth Street Baptist Church is coordinating the event in conjunction with First African Baptist Church, Fresh Anointing Cathedral, Grayland Baptist Church, St. Mark’s Church of God in Christ, New Kingdom Christian Ministries, Northside Crusaders Baptist Church and Providence Park Baptist Church.

Cedar Street Baptist Church of God is helping with the food distribution, and Hotchkiss Field Community Center also is participating along with sponsor Marks & Harrison law firm.

Volunteers with the nonprofit WE CARE, which stands for Wellness, Education, Community Awareness and Resident Empowerment, also will be distributing health and wellness tips and information to help people during the pandemic.

“Our focus is on positive energy and bringing a sense of connection to people even during the pandemic,” Mr. Watson said.