Backing The Need with Kids Care | Marietta Event Photography
Capturing the Spirit of Giving: A School Supply Drive with Kids Care at the Cobb Civic Center
At the end of this summer, I had the privilege of covering an event that exemplified community spirit and the power of youth-led initiatives. The school supply drive, dubbed "Back The Need", was held at the Cobb Civic Center in Marietta and hosted by Kids Care, an organization founded by Jaida Burke when she was just 8 years old. Now 15, Jaida and her team of young volunteers are making a massive impact in the lives of local children by providing them with essential school supplies—ensuring that every student has the tools they need to succeed in the upcoming school year. The Cobb Civic Center, a central hub in the community, served as the perfect backdrop for this heartwarming event. Families, businesses and community members gathered in support of the cause, dropping off school supplies ranging from backpacks and notebooks to pens, pencils, and markers. The event was not only an opportunity to donate, but also a celebration of generosity and compassion. The event was a reminder of how small acts of kindness can have a lasting impact. Thanks to the hard work of K.I.D.S. C.A.R.E., countless children in the Marietta area will have the supplies they need to start the school year with confidence. It’s easy to forget that something as simple as a new backpack or a set of markers can make a world of difference for a child, especially when they’re excited to learn and ready to take on new challenges.
A Legacy of Leadership
What makes Kids Care so unique is that it is entirely run by kids. From organizing events and collecting donations, the entire team is made up of young people, each of whom brings their own sense of leadership, creativity, and passion to the cause. Jaida’s vision when she organized the first event at such a young age was simple: to help other children have access to the resources they need for school, regardless of their family's financial situation. From there, the organization grew and the vision became one of ensuring children in the community had opportunities to volunteer. It’s clear that Jaida is not just the founder of an organization—she’s a role model who’s showing other kids that they have the power to create real change in their communities.
Now, years later, Kids Care is an established presence in Cobb County, and it was an honor to witness the dedication of the people who came together to make this event a success. Jaida’s vision is one of empowerment, and I can only imagine that the organization will continue to inspire kids to take action and make their communities better places.
Behind the Lens: The Joy of Capturing Kids in Action
As a photographer, it was incredible to see how engaged everyone was—especially the young volunteers. There’s something truly special about watching kids in action, working together to make a difference. They weren’t just collecting supplies; they were building a sense of community, empowering others, and setting an example for future generations to follow. It’s always a joy to capture moments of true emotion and connection. At this event, there were countless moments that told powerful stories and every shot was a testament to the power of collective effort.
Covering this event was more than just event photography—it was an experience that left me feeling inspired and hopeful for the future. Seeing so many young people coming together to help others made it clear that kindness, leadership, and compassion are values that can be instilled at any age. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for Jaida and her team at Kids Care.
To Jaida and all the volunteers at Kids Care: thank you for allowing me to be a part of your journey. It was truly an honor to capture the spirit of giving at such a special event. Keep up the amazing work!
If you're in the Marietta area, be sure to keep an eye out for future events hosted by Kids Care. Your donation, big or small, can make a significant difference in the life of a child.
