TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — The Bullard Family Foundation hosted its annual Backpack Build Saturday, where hundreds of volunteers stuffed school supplies into 30,000 backpacks.

The foundation said it’s all in an effort to make sure students have the tools to succeed this school year.

Thadeus Bullard, also known as WWE Hall of Famer Titus O’Neil, said he’s been hosting this event for nine years now.

“All the things I didn’t have as a kid, I try to help make sure that we facilitate that to be able to help these families in the Tampa Bay area get ready for school,” O’Neil said.

Sligh Middle School Principal Angela Brown told 8 On Your Side that with inflation still making things hard on families, something like this can really make a difference.

“If you think about it, a bookbag, school supplies, all the necessities, it’s one thing that families don’t have to stress about, and so they can focus on really just getting the child emotionally to come to school,” Brown said.

One of the hundreds of volunteers hard at work Saturday was John Doran. He told 8 On Your Side that getting up early on a Saturday to set students up for success is worth it.

“It’s one of the best feelings being able to give back like this,” Doran said. “It’s a great group to work with.”

Bullard said when it comes time to hand out the backpacks, it won’t be the only thing that’s offered for Tampa Bay families.

Families have the opportunity to get physicals, dental screenings, cleanings, food, haircuts; it’s about 10 events in one,” he said.

The foundation said 30,000 backpacks will be handed out to Tampa Bay area kids on August 8 at Raymond James Stadium starting at 9:01 am.

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