RICHMOND, Va. — A back-to-school drive created in honor of 13-year-old Jaylen Martinez, who died in an accidental shooting last year, is giving back to underserved neighbors at Lucks Field Community Center this weekend.
The Jaylen Martinez Back-to-School and Stop the Violence Drive runs from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15 and will supply over 200 students with backpacks, hygiene items, free haircuts and violence prevention resources. Children and teens will also be able to participate in a basketball game aimed at promoting teamwork, mentorship, leadership and putting an end to violence.
Watch: Mother celebrates life and legacy of 13-year-old basketball star Jaylen Martinez: 'He's still with me'
His mother, Ciera Martinez, spoke about the impact her son left behind.
"With Jaylen's impact that he left on the community, a lot of this wouldn't be possible, so I'm just so thankful for everyone that's given back that supported ... I don't think his impact left when he did, and it's gonna continue to live through myself, Jennifer and the community," Martinez said.
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