ORANGE PARK – The line at Saturday’s Back to School Bash stretched from the northside of the Thrasher-Horne Center, across the front of the complex, then left and through the Conference Center. …
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ORANGE PARK – The line at Saturday’s Back to School Bash stretched from the northside of the Thrasher-Horne Center, across the front of the complex, then left and through the Conference Center.
But every child received a bookbag filled with back-to-school supplies, and they had the opportunity to pick out free shoes, clothes, food bags, information on services and a grilled hot dog, chips and water.
According to William Darnell, co-founder of Saved 2 Serve, more than 2,200 attended one of the biggest backpack giveaways in North Florida. Of those, more than 1,500 students got backpacks; 1,000 pairs of shoes were given away; 1,241 got new clothing; and 1,400 indulged in a free lunch.
And across College Drive at The Way Free Medical Clinic, 44 students received free school physicals.
“We had over 65 event sponsors and community partners supporting the Bash,” Darnell said.
The event was created by Saved 2 Serve: North Florida’s Street Friends and Seeds of Love Outreach and hosted by St. Johns River State College and the Thrasher-Horne Center.
One of the community partners was Impact Clay, which provided information on services like the Impact Clay Train, Clay Works and Linksi, which is a data bank to instantly and privately connect residents with the help they need.
“We enjoyed empowering families with resources as they begin a new school year,” said Impact Clay CEO Connie Thomas. “We are filled with gratitude to be part of a community that cares on so many levels. May the lives touched today continually feel that care as they start chapters in the weeks ahead.”
Unlike years past, this year children were able to select their bookbags, clothes and shoes inside the Conference Center instead of waiting in line outside in the sweltering heat.
Darnell said the event was supported by 37 sponsors. He said besides the school supplies and clothing, the most important aspect of Back to School Bash was how the community rallied to support so many children and their families.
“Perhaps the greatest gift of all is the confidence that comes from knowing their community believes in them and is cheering them on,” Darnell said.
