Backpacks and Basketball at Stop the Violence tournament

SCHENECTADY, N.Y. (NEWS10) — A local basketball tournament with a bigger purpose. The annual Stop the Violence basketball tournament took place on Saturday and brought the community together.

The tournament was at the Central Park in Schenectady. Justin Anderson, the organizer was not only promoting peace on the court, but also giving away 60 backpacks filled with school supplies to make sure kids start the school year off right.

Each backpack has a notebook, planner, pens and highlighters inside.

"A lot of parents need that help with back-to-school supplies. It gets the kids prepared, hopefully back in routine wise," said Shamieka Brandon, a mother who came in support of her son in the tournament.

Anderson has been doing this Stop the Violence basketball tournament for the past 15 years. Now as a dad-to-be, he wanted to expand that message into the classroom.

"What inspired me is I'm having a kid myself, you know, and would love it if somebody would drop off some school supplies for my kids. So it gives me a different perspective on life having a kid," said Anderson.

The backpacks and everything inside came out of Anderson's pockets. But it was never about the money to him.

“Just wanted to do something different. Start giving back for real,” said Anderson.

The reason Anderson started the basketball tournament in the first place was because he lost a close friend to gun violence.

“We lost a friend named Eddie Stanley about 2010, I would say,” said Anderson. “He was one of the best basketball players that we had out here. He wanted you to be better. He pushed you. So he meant a lot to me.”

The community has come to the court every year for this event and Anderson has seen some of these kids since they were toddlers. Local coaches played their part as well.

“I've been down here for the past five years, all supporting JMacs and his community and its always a great opportunity for the kids,” said Ian Powell, a local basketball coach, coaching for the tournament.

"When we come up here all together and show that we can stop the violence, that's the biggest message we can show," said Anderson.