SANFORD, Fla.---

“I just want to thank everyone for coming out today,” Britt Henderson said as a crowd of volunteers gathered in front of the Westside Community Center in the Goldsboro community of Sanford.  “Everybody partnering together doing this thing for one purpose and that’s serving our community, serving out kids.”

Henderson is the recreation supervisor for the community center.  On this hot August Saturday morning the multi-purpose building is a one stop shop.

“This is important because we want to make sure the kids start off school the right way and there’s nothing like having your own supplies going back to school,” Henderson said.

Henderson organized the Westside Community Center’s 10th annual back to school drive.  Cars are lined up to receive items like hygiene kits, backpacks, even free haircuts.

“Our ultimate goal is to empower women through community service,” Patrice Anderson said.  Anderson is part of the Sistas organization.  Her group is handing out the hygiene kits to cars that drive through.

"It means a great deal for me to be able to give back," Anderson said.  "To be able to empower women and not just women, but children as well."

Anderson's organization is one of several tables set up outside the community center.  The school supplies are also going fast.  

“Ya’ll need binders, you want black?” C.J. Walker said as he handed a backpack and supplies through the window of a sedan.  Walker is a rising junior basketball player with UCF.

“I just feel like it’s pretty important to the community that people come out here and support and give away for schools,” Walker said.

Walker is a Sanford native.  In the off season you can find him training at the community center’s gym.  On this day he’s putting in a different kind of work.

“I grew up in this building, I’ve been working out here since I was in 5th grade and just to see that now I can give back,” Walker said.  “It just brings joy to me because I know how much these book bags and school supplies mean.”

Walker explored the NBA draft process this summer.  After getting feedback on what he needs to work on from NBA teams and scouts, he’s now getting ready to go back to school himself.   

“I feel liked we are going to have a really good season now that we got everybody back and more,” Walker said.

Walker will be joined by sophomore Isaiah Adams and seniors Darius Perry and Brandan Mahon who also made the decision to return.  The Knights have NCAA tournament expectations this year.  Walker and the rest of the volunteers want to make sure Sanford’s youth can also live out their dreams.

“You’re never too good to give back,” Walker said.  “Something as small as book bags goes along way.”