Eastman’s Technology hosts Back-to-School Bash

KINGSPORT, Tenn. (WJHL) — Eastman`s Technology team partnered with the Big Brothers Big Sisters team and The Boys and Girls Club of Kingsport to host more than 200 kids for a United Way Week of Caring event. The Back-to-School Bash was held at the Eastman shelters at Bay’s Mountain on Wednesday.

Jayme Leita, Eastman’s United Way Vice-Chair, said this event has been happening for nearly 30 years.

“This is an event that we’ve been doing for now 29 years,” Leita said. “Lots of Eastman volunteers donate money, donate their time, and come out and just make it a great day for the kids.”

More than 50 Eastman employees donated their time at the event, which included free school supplies and hygiene products, and a backpack filled with school supplies for each child.

This year, around 200 children were served.

“The kids love it,” Leita told News Channel 11. “They go from station to station. There’s a tie-dye station, there’s a chemical experiment so they can make a volcano. There’s games, there’s volleyball and bounce houses.”

Leita said it did rain on and off at the event but not enough to dampen the kids’ spirit.

“Despite the weather today, there’s been a plethora of smiles across the field here. So it’s been it’s been a great success,” Leita added.

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