School Supply Distribution Helps Hundreds Of Alexandria Kids

ALEXANDRIA, VA — As Alexandria kids gear up for the new school year, hundreds of kids will be ready with school supplies given by a local law firm.

Alexandria area law firm Blaszkow Legal, PLLC held their first Project Backpack event at John Adams Elementary School Saturday. With about 2,000 people attending, the law firm distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to nearly 700 students.

The school supply drive came as Americans are expected to spend a record amount on back-to-school shopping. Based on the National Retail Federation and Prosper Insights & Analytics survey of 7,843 consumers earlier this summer, families with school-aged children will spend an average of $890 on back-to-school shopping this year, about $25 more than last year’s record of just under $865.

In Alexandria, the cost of school supplies could be a hardship for families of John Adams Elementary, where 86.3 percent of students are classified as economically disadvantaged.

"The driving force behind this project was a desire to help the local community at a time when many may truly need it," said Joseph Blaszkow, CEO and founder of Blaszkow Legal. "Many families are still recovering from the pandemic. We are striving to help take the edge off, so they can get the new school year off to a great start."

Blaszkow noted the school supply distribution was an effort by his staff with support from the school and PTA. Alexandria Vice Mayor Amy Jackson helped with distributing free backpacks.

At the law firm's Project Backpack event, students and families could enjoy a DJ, face painting, balloon creatures, pizza, soft drinks, and other refreshments. Blaszkow received a certificate of appreciation from John Adams Elementary School's Principal Alicia Kingcade.

Blaszkow Legal is a law firm specializing in representing injured people in car accidents and personal injury cases in Virginia, Maryland and Washington, DC. Blaszkow is also involved in community service as part of the ALIVE food bank's developmental committee. The business has was recognized as Volunteer Alexandria’s 2022 Business Leader of the Year and by the Governor’s Advisory Board on Service and Volunteerism.