Local NFL Star to host 2nd Annual Back to School Giveaway

Central native and Houston Texans star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and his mother, Sabrina Greenlee, announce the second annual DeAndre Hopkins and S.M.O.O.O.T.H. Inc. Back to School Giveaway, in partnership with the Ms. Molly Foundation, a non-profit organization that provides funding for safe houses and shelters for domestic violence victims. The event, taking place on July 18 from 9am to 1pm at the Central Clemson Recreation Center, will provide elementary through high school children with book bags, school supplies and a day of family fun, including face painting and music, along with academic planning resources and domestic violence education. Hopkins and his mother founded S.M.O.O.O.T.H Inc. (Speaking Mentally, Outwardly Opening Opportunities Toward Healing) in 2014, and are dedicated to educating and empowering women and children. At last year¹s inaugural event, Hopkins and S.M.O.O.O.T.H Inc. distributed over 500 book bags, and even more school supplies, to a capacity crowd. This year, Hopkins and his mother hope to reach even more families and have set a goal to provide over 600 book bags and school supplies to attendees. To that end, Hopkins and S.M.O.O.O.T.H. Inc. have partnered with the Ms. Molly Foundation, to increase awareness and to allow participating donors to claim a tax exemption. Hopkins has been active in the Central, SC community this year, sponsoring a youth football team and planning his first football camp with his friend and fellow NFL player, Jarvis Jenkins. “I’m thankful that I am in a position to give back to the community that raised me,” said Hopkins. “I’ve been looking forward to this event all year and hope it will continue to grow and touch more people.” Local businesses and individuals that are interested in sponsoring or donating to the event are encouraged to call 919-414-8067. Individual donations are also being accepted online at http://www.deandrehopkins.eventbrite.com.