Margate Children Now Equipped for School After Legacy Closet’s Community Giveback Event

by David Volz August 10, 2024

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Photos from Backpack giveaway by the Legacy Closet in Margate. {Photos by David Volz}

Margate children received backpacks, school supplies, toys, shoes, and other essential items to prepare them to start school after participating in the Community Giveback event led by Legacy Closet at the Margate Sports Complex.

Margi Pattin, the founder and leader of Legacy Closet, was pleased with Saturday’s turnout and the amount of community participation.

“We had 3,000 backpacks, and about 2,800 children came and received a backpack. I do this because I have been down and out and want to help struggling families,” said Pattin.

According to Pattin, there were about 60 volunteers. PetSmart provided pet supplies, Toys for Tots donated toys, and various businesses provided shoes, hygiene products, and other essential items.

Tabby Miller, vice president of Legacy Closet, said, “This event went well, and it was good to see people receiving items they need.”

Many of the volunteers found the experience fulfilling. Sixteen-year-old Riley Troy, a National Honor Society member and a Parkland resident, is in the foster system and attends Marjory Stoneman Douglas. He purchased 65 backpacks, filled them with school supplies, and helped distribute them.

“It was a great feeling to help people in need,” he said. Gail Zakroff, his guardian, was proud of Riley’s effort to participate in the giveback.

Broward County Public Schools board member Debbi Hixon attended. “It is so amazing to see people in the community come together to provide resources so children can be ready for school. It is a one-stop shop for families,” said Hixon.

Mayor Tommy Ruzzano attended and was pleased and proud that Margate partnered with Legacy Closet. “It is awesome to see people in the community coming together to help children get ready for school,” he said.

Commissioner Anthony Caggiano said, “This is good because children need to be ready for school,” he said.

This event was the first time Legacy Closet has held a back-to-school event in the city. Previously, Pattin held the events in Pompano Beach, but this year, she saw a greater need in Margate.

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Author Profile

David Volz

David Volz has worked as a writer in South Florida for 35 years. He has written for the Sun-Sentinel, Hollywood Gazette, School Transportation News, South Dade News Leaders, Observer among others. He has an MA in Communications from Florida Atlantic University and a BA in Communications from Valparaiso University. Volz teaches Communications at Miami Dade College and Palm Beach State College. He lives in Coral Springs and enjoys running and participating in 5Ks and half-marathons.