By Terrence Brown | Pennsylvania Talks

CHESTER, Pa. — Delaware County Non-Profit Organization, Buckner’s Giving Tree gave back to the Community this weekend during it’s annual Back to School bash, an event with a mission to assist families prepare for the school year.

The event provided families with activities, food and haircuts, while community partners and volunteers came together to help make the day possible.

For Buckner’s Giving Tree owner Sabrina Buckner, the event is about more than simply providing school supplies. It’s about helping families who may be facing difficult choices when it comes to meeting their children’s needs.

“It means everything for those who cannot afford it,” Buckner said. “Having to choose between necessities and family is hard — this will help them get what they need and in style.”

Buckner’s Giving Tree’s commitment to the community extends beyond its annual back-to-school celebration.

The organization operates a senior and veterans meal program that delivers more than 280 meals each week to residents throughout Delaware County. Caring for Friends serves as a major weekly meal sponsor for the organization’s senior meal program and also sponsored the grilled food served during Saturday’s Back to School Bash. The nonprofit also operates a community pantry every Tuesday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 225 Concord Avenue in Chester.

The Back to School Bash was supported by several community partners and sponsors, including Laborers Local 413, Wawa, Cradles to Crayons, True Vine Missionary Baptist Church, Caring for Friends, IAE and Rash’s Beauty Supply.

The organization’s ongoing community support also includes continued sponsorship from IAE and Rash’s Beauty Supply, two separate sponsors supporting Buckner’s Giving Tree and its continued work in the community

For James Harper, business manager for Laborers Local 413, the partnership with Buckner’s Giving Tree is personal.

“For me personally, it’s great I get to give back to the city that raised me,” Harper said.

Local 413 is preparing to celebrate its 90th anniversary this November. Harper said the organization’s continued partnership with Buckner’s Giving Tree is another opportunity to give back to the Chester community.

The partnership also extends beyond Saturday’s event. Buckner’s Giving Tree uses Local 413’s Stackies building for its pantry, allowing the nonprofit to serve residents from the location multiple times each week.

During the Back to School Bash, Local 413 members also helped feed attendees, serving hot dogs and burgers to families.

“I’m tired and on the grill, but what better way to spend the Saturday than giving back?” Harper said.

Community members also contributed to the atmosphere of the celebration, with local vendors, volunteers and organizations helping create an afternoon centered around families and preparing children for the new school year.

And the community outreach doesn’t stop here.

Harper said Laborers Local 413 is planning another community event on Labor Day featuring a backpack giveaway, voter registration and fingernail painting for school-age children.

Buckner’s Giving Tree is also seeking additional support as it continues its work throughout Delaware County. With the continued support of community partners and sponsors, Buckner’s Giving Tree is also seeking additional support as it expands its work throughout Delaware County.

Those interested in volunteering or supporting the organization can visit the pantry at 225 Concord Avenue in Chester. Donations can be made through PayPal at PayPal.me/bucknersgivingtree or through Cash App at $BresBlessed.

Buckner’s Giving Tree is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on supporting families, seniors and veterans throughout the community.

“Help us help others,” Buckner said.