The first day of school has arrived, and Shereva Purifoy’s Back to School Drive has concluded.

The supply drive on Saturday was the grand finale of the three-day city-wide youth conference at St. Paul Community Methodist Church. Purifoy said people came out in droves and even she could not have predicted how well the event was going to turn out. 

“The event met our expectations,” Purifoy said. “Our goal was met, and we exceeded what we expected.”

With a crowd of more than 400 people, Purifoy said the greatest gift of all was to see the excitement and appreciation on their faces. 

“The community is very appreciative,” she said.  “I feel they were truly blessed. They enjoyed being able to shop through the clothing.”

In addition to receiving school supplies, there were bouncers, horses, music, basketball, face painting and the girls could get their nails polished.

Purifoy said all hands were on deck, and she is grateful for the assistance received from the community.

“The masons were out serving food and helping,” she said. “Pastor Coleman was greeting and interacting with everyone.”

Purifoy said with the help of her co-organizer Keeshanda Tripp and everyone else that pitched in to help, the Back to School Drive served its purpose in ensuring that no child in Dallas County was left behind at the start of the school year.