Newark Mayor Ras Baraka handed out book bags in the city Sunday.
NEWARK -- Hundreds of city children celebrated Labor Day weekend with free backpacks and school supplies doled out by the mayor.
Ras Baraka set out on a 13-stop "Back to School Bus Tour" Sunday to hand out the free supplies at houses of worship, housing complexes, and Centers of Hope around the city. He stopped at 10 spots Sunday and plans three more stops on Labor Day.
Newark kids began the 2015-16 school year on Thursday.
The giveaway was sponsored by several community groups, including Better Education for Kids, Inc., Black Alliance for Educational Options, the Foundation for Newark's Future, and the Newark Charter School Fund.
Jessica Mazzola may be reached at jmazzola@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @JessMazzola. Find NJ.com on Facebook.