Back-to-School Bash set for July 27

By Angela H. Cutrer

Star correspondent

The 17th Annual Harmony Free Will Baptist Church’s Back-to-School Bash is set for July 27 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Hampton High School. The event will provide 1,600 backpacks filled with school supplies for preschool to high school students on a first-come, first-served basis.

“I love the last week in July because we have this wonderful day for the students and guardians to just relax and enjoy,” said the event’s director, Shannon Posada. “We’ll have new games for the children and outreach programs for families. The health department will offer school vaccinations and Second Harvest will provide food boxes for families as they leave.

“But the main point of this event is to make sure students have everything they need to successfully start the school year. And to have fun – we want them to relax and have fun and not worry about a thing.”

In addition, this year’s bash will have the theme “Bee Kind,” and kids can learn from a beekeeper while a busy bee buzzes around the location. Disney characters will attend and free inflatable rides, shows, games, food and cotton candy, clothes and haircuts will be available.

The event is sponsored by area churches along with community volunteers, organizations, businesses and individuals. “We couldn’t do anything without our partners,” Posada said. “We thank all our supporters. We do more and work better – together. People in our community see the needs and come together every time to make sure children get the best start for their school year. And we thought kindness goes a long way, hence the theme.

“It warms your heart to see these children, parents, grandparents and guardians relax and have a great time worry-free,” Posada said. “We are so thankful Hampton High School allows us to hold the event at their school.”

According to Harmony Free Will Baptist Church’s website, years ago Pastor Brandon Young, who is also a school principal, had a dream about helping families. “I had a dream one night about helping children by giving them backpacks, notebooks, binders and other things they need for school,” Young had said. The dream seemed so real and important that he immediately discussed it with the leaders of his church. And the bash grew from there into a high-attendance, nearly day-long celebration.

Young said for many children, who come from families who can’t afford to take their children to places like Dollywood, the Back-to-School Bash is one of the highlights of their year. “We want them all to enjoy themselves and take a break from worrying. Many people worry about money and not being able to provide all their children’s needs. That’s where we want to help.

“This is people helping people,” Young said of the event. “All Carter County schools will have tents for parents to visit and ask questions. This event is sponsored by people who give money to see it go right into the schools, helping to build a good foundation for Carter County children.

“With most things, people aren’t sure where their donations go. With this event, you can actually see how the donations are used.”

Young said the bash does not try to teach the children any church doctrine, just a simple message showing that Jesus loves them. “We just want to level the playing field for all students because you can’t learn if you don’t have the supplies you need,” he said. “We work better together for our community’s children.”

Young and Posada described one young woman who told them how the event helped her when she was a child and now, this year, she’s bringing her own children to enjoy the event.

And the mother? She’s giving back as a volunteer this year.

People helping people seems to be contagious in Carter County – in a good way.

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