Harmony Free Will Baptist hosts annual Back to School Bash for people of Carter County
Published 3:29 pm Monday, August 2, 2021
Contributed Photo The theme for this year's annual Back to School Bash was "Love Never Fails," a message displayed through the compassion shown by volunteers.
Contributed Photo Two children take part in a balloon popping contest set up by Loaves and Fishes Food Ministry at the Back to School Bash.
Contributed Photo This year's Back to School Bash featured live music to provide extra entertainment while children and parents alike took part in the festivities.
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BY NIC MILLER
STAR STAFF
nic.miller.com
Last Saturday at Hampton High School marked another year of the annual Back to School Bash put on by Harmony Free Will Baptist Church, and was the first event to take place after the pandemic that raged through 2020.
The event was set up a little differently this year, with school zones determining when children could receive backpacks and enjoy the festivities as well as the new venue on the football field at Hampton High School.
The premise however was the same, as children from all across the area were able to receive backpacks and other various school supplies for this upcoming academic year.
Director of the Back to School Bash, Shannon Posada, was very pleased with how things turned out this past weekend, saying, “The total amount of backpacks that we were able to provide this year was over 1,000, which is very good considering we are just now hopefully out of the pandemic.”
“And with an event of this stature, it was not a one-person show, as there was amazing support from the community. “This took a bunch of effort from many people. I want to thank the city for purchasing some supplies as well as our volunteers who unloaded backpacks and got them ready for the weekend.
“A huge shoutout also goes out to all of the volunteers and vendors that we had for the Bash itself, as this was a big event and we were glad to have all hands on deck.”
Posada expanded, saying, “Not once did I hear any of our workers complain, even in the heat of the middle of the day. And that tells me that they were there for the right reasons, the kids.”
And while the Back to School Bash may be over, Posada says that backpacks and supplies are still available for those who were not able to attend. “We still have backpacks available for those who could not be there. If you still need a backpack or any supplies, you can contact Khristina Cardwell at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church at (423) 725-3338.”
With such an amazing turnout at this year’s Back to School Bash by both volunteers and those attending, excitement is already building for next year’s event.
