Washington Football Charitable Foundation gives back to their community

Lines of people wrapped around FedExField Friday morning as families came out in droves with their children in tow. But it wasn’t for a football game.

The Washington Football Charitable Foundation hosted its seventh annual Back to School Fair. Since 2015, the fair has provided nearly 4,000 brand new backpacks, school supply kits and additional resources to youth across the region. The Charitable Foundation, executives and alumni greeted families and assisted with the festivities.

“The Back to School Fair is so beneficial to participating families trying to make sure that their children are prepared for learning," said Carlyle Neyazi, Executive Director of the Team’s Charitable Foundation. "Each year, we strive to provide families with access to services, items and information that will enable them to start the school year off on the right foot."

According to The National Retail Federation, families with children in elementary through high school plan to spend an average of $848.90 on school items, which is $59 more than last year. Total back-to-school spending is expected to reach a record $37.1 billion, up from $33.9 billion last year. That price would be a lot for some families to spend before the pandemic. Now the pandemic ups the ante.

D.C. Metro area children between the ages of 6-11 with identified needs were taken care of at

The Back to School Fair, receiving materials and information to prepare students for the upcoming school year. All children had to be pre-registered by their parent or guardian before they were able to receive books, bookbags, uniform polos, equipment play packs, and a variety of school supplies with access to expected services such as dental and vision exams. They even provided free haircuts & hairdos. Entertainment was provided by DJs, along with fun activities such as caricatures, raffles, arts & crafts and much more.

“It’s a really great event,” said Ashley Whitlock, Director of Corporate Communications, Public Relations for the Washington Football Team. “Last year was so unconventional with the pandemic, so we just want to make it easy (for families).”