Ride On Cannon Foundation gives away 250+ backpacks at 6th annual event: 'Say his name'

CHESTERFIELD COUNTY, Va. — The Ride On Cannon Foundation held its 6th annual back-to-school backpack giveaway Saturday at BMW of Midlothian, distributing more than 250 backpacks and school supplies to local children — up from 186 last year.

In the first 30 minutes, 65 walk-in bags were distributed to families who heard about the event and had not pre-registered for the event.

"We were happy to have over 100 book bags available for walk-in families outside of those that applied. It just shows that there's a need in our community and we're just here to try to help fill that need where we can," a representative with Crown Automotive said.

Founder Teresa Welch said events like this are about more than school supplies.

"It's important for communities to share a common bond, to interact," Welch said. "There's so much negativity going on in the world today, so we put things like this together just to shed some light into each other's lives."

The event also featured cotton candy, popcorn, snow cones, games and giveaways for families.

Provided to WTVR

The Ride On Cannon Foundation was started in September 2020 in honor of Cannon Hinnant, a 5-year-old boy who was shot and killed while riding his bike outside his father's home. Welch said the foundation was created to ensure Cannon's story continued.

"We didn't want that to be the story that was left with Cannon. We wanted his story to continue to be bright, to be loud and say his name and to make sure that he's remembered in a beautiful way," Welch said. "Going forward, how we can remember him and how we can honor his little legacy."

Since his death, the foundation has provided backpacks and school supplies to 730 children, more than 1,600 new outfits and pairs of shoes, Christmas assistance to 808 children, Thanksgiving meals to 260 families, and 511 brand-new bicycles with helmets.

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