Ride On Cannon Foundation Gives 250+ Backpacks at 6th Annual Event
TL;DR: The Ride On Cannon Foundation distributed more than 250 backpacks at its sixth annual back-to-school giveaway in Chesterfield County on August 22, drawing strong community turnout with 65 walk-in bags claimed in the first 30 minutes.
Quick facts
- Who: Ride On Cannon Foundation, founded by Teresa Welch
- What: 6th annual back-to-school backpack and supply giveaway
- When: Saturday, August 22, 2026
- Where: BMW of Midlothian, Chesterfield County
The story
The Ride On Cannon Foundation held its sixth annual back-to-school supply drive Saturday at BMW of Midlothian, distributing more than 250 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in the community. The event drew substantial demand, with 65 walk-in bags being claimed within the first 30 minutes and over 100 additional backpacks available for families who arrived without pre-registration.
Founded by Teresa Welch in September 2020, the Ride On Cannon Foundation honors 5-year-old Cannon Hinnant and supports children in need through community programs. In describing the foundation's work, Welch emphasized the importance of bringing people together. "It's important for communities to share a common bond, to interact," she said. "There's so much negativity going on in the world today, so we put things like this together just to shed some light into each other's lives."
The foundation's impact has grown steadily. Since its founding, it has provided 730 children with backpacks, distributed more than 1,600 outfits and shoes, assisted 808 children at Christmas, provided Thanksgiving meals to 260 families, and donated 511 bicycles with helmets. This year's event, which saw 250+ backpacks distributed, represents a significant increase from the previous year's 186 backpacks.
Key players
- Teresa Welch: Founder of Ride On Cannon Foundation
- Ride On Cannon Foundation: Community nonprofit providing school supplies and assistance to children in need
- Crown Automotive: Event partner
Why it matters: Back-to-school supply assistance reduces financial barriers for lower-income families and helps ensure all children in Chesterfield County start the school year with necessary materials. The foundation's growing reach demonstrates both rising community needs and strong local support for addressing them.
Places
Development timeline
Related links
Read the original at WTVR CBS 6 Local →
Sources
- Ride On Cannon Foundation gives away 250+ backpacks at 6th annual event: 'Say his name'
- Ride On Cannon Foundation Official Website