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An annual back-to-school drive in South Philadelphia caused traffic to be at a standstill Friday morning as hundreds lined up their cars to receive a free backpack filled with school supplies.
The event, which took place this year at the Lincoln Financial Field (Linc), is sponsored by the School District of Philadelphia. Each child in the car would receive a free backpack and pair of Converse sneakers, while supplies lasted. The giveaway began at 9 a.m. and was scheduled to run until 1 p.m.
"We recognize how different back to school looks for our students and families this year," Superintendent William Hite said, according to WPVI. "We want to ensure that our students are equipped with the resources they need to help them have a successful school year as we all continue to navigate these unprecedented times."
Appointments were not required for the event, and attendees were asked to remain inside their cars because of the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. But the drive-thru giveaway caused a massive traffic jam, with video taken from a helicopter capturing long lines and backups around the Linc parking lots as well as Interstate 95.
**Breaking** South Philadelphia at a standstill after large number of people show up in cars for Philadelphia schools backpack give away near Lincoln Financial Field. @PhillyPolice requesting PSP close ramp from I-95. pic.twitter.com/AJd3mL6AxV
— Dan Patrick (@6abcDan) August 28, 2020
Dan Patrick, a journalist with WPVI, reported just after 9 a.m. Friday that South Philadelphia was at a "standstill" because of the event, and that Philadelphia police officers were requesting that the Pennsylvania State Police close ramp access from I-95.
Minutes later, Patrick tweeted again that Philadelphia police had "shut down any more access to the event" because of the traffic jam, and state police officers closed ramps from I-95.
**Breaking** South Philadelphia at a standstill after large number of people show up in cars for Philadelphia schools backpack give away near Lincoln Financial Field. @PhillyPolice has shut down any more access to the event. PSP closed ramps from I-95. @6abc #backtoschool pic.twitter.com/ijj7CfD6qL
— Dan Patrick (@6abcDan) August 28, 2020
Miguel Torres, a spokesman for the Philadelphia Police Department, wrote in an email to Newsweek that the department was "not aware of any road closures for the event at this time."
Newsweek contacted the Pennsylvania State Police for comment and confirmation of closed access, but did not hear back in time for publication.
Families who didn't own a vehicle could make an appointment to pick up their backpack at certain Brown's ShopRite locations on August 31, according to the school district's office of family and community engagement.
Newsweek also contacted the district for comment.
Students in the School District of Philadelphia are scheduled to begin class September 2. All district schools will begin learning remotely until at least November 17. Students will then transition to a hybrid model of both in-person and digital learning as long as health guidance deems it safe to do so, according to the district's reopening plan.
