Harmony Free Will Baptist Church will have its annual Back-to-School Bash Saturday, July 29.
This is the ninth year for the event, which has grown into a fun day for the children. In addition to food and snacks, games, and free clothes, children will receive a backpack filled with school supplies.
Over 1,500 backpacks have been filled with school supplies, including paper and pencils, composition books, erasers and other needed items to prepare them for the new school year.
Pastor Brandon Young said many children come from families who can’t afford to buy many of the supplies, especially if there are three or four school-age children in the family.
Also, the free inflatable rides, shows, Disney characters and other attractions are things some children would not experience otherwise. “We want to make the day a fun experience for the children,” the pastor said.
Many of the school supplies are provided by D&W Sourceall, Inc. of Port St. Lucie, Fla., a wholesaler of school supplies. The supplies are provided for the bash at the dealer’s cost. The estimated cost for this year’s backpack and school supplies is $18,800 and the cost for the free food, inflatables, the Water War game, and utilities is $3,700. However, much of the money for the Back-to-School Bash is raised from special events at the church, and some is donated.
The Back-to-School bash will begin at 10 a.m. and go through 3 p.m., rain or shine. Those attending are asked to park at Hampton High School and ride the shuttle buses that will be transporting people to and from the church throughout the day.
Parking at the church will be reserved for disabled children.
Children must be accompanied by an adult and the backpacks and supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Harmony Free Will is located at 3405 Gap Creek Road.