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For the first time since 2013, the Annie Lois McNabb family will not sponsor a back-to school event for kids ages 12 and under.

“Because of COVID-19, our family decided it would be best not to bring a lot of children and parents together for the backpack giveaway event,” David McNabb said. “But, we still wanted to do something for the community, for the children, in memory of our mother.”

McNabb said, rather than give away backpacks, the McNabb family opted to give Walmart gift cards to several area churches to benefit the children.

“The gift cards will be given to the church ministers and they will decide how the money will best meet the back-to-school needs of the children,” McNabb said. “Our blessing comes from knowing that our mother would be pleased.”

The McNabb family is giving gift cards to First Missionary Baptist, St. Paul AME, Shiloh Baptist, New Shiloh Baptist, Lily Baptist, Bethel Baptist and St. Peter’s Baptist.

Annie Lois McNabb died in 2012 and the following year her family began hosting a back-to-school event in her honor and in her memory.

Annie Lois McNabb was the mother of 10 children. She experienced the greatest sadness a mother can know in the loss of several children, including the tragic loss of a daughter in a plane crash.

“Our mother knew great sadness but she also knew great joy,” McNabb said. “She lived her life, overcoming sadness and finding joy in all things, especially children.”

The McNabb children plan to continue honoring their mother’s memory by helping with the back-to-school needs of children so they will have a more secure start to the school year.