The start of a new school year came with an extra boost for hundreds of Jacksonville students on Aug. 9, when the parking lot of Twin Lakes Academy Elementary was buzzing with excitement for Baggett Law’s Second Annual Backpack Giveaway.
In just a few hours, more than 300 backpacks — each stuffed with notebooks, pencils, crayons and other school essentials — found their way into the hands of local students.
More than 500 children and parents turned out for a morning that was about more than just supplies. The event was filled with joy and big smiles: faces were transformed at face-painting stations, kids posed for photos with “Bluey” and families cooled off with frozen treats from Rita’s. Parents left with one less back-to-school expense to shoulder, while students carried home both supplies and a little extra excitement for the year ahead.
The annual giveaway is part of a broader commitment by Amanda and Matt Baggett, founders of Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers, to pour back into the city they call home. Both children of educators, the couple has long championed causes that support learning from the earliest years onward.
Amanda Baggett has served on numerous local boards and committees, from the Museum of Science and History and the Early Learning Coalition of Duval to the Deermeadows Preschool Committee and Jacksonville Country Day School Board of Trustees, where she now serves as chair.
Plans for next year’s backpack giveaway are already underway, with hopes of reaching even more families.
