Heart of the City to provide free school supplies, clothes to Wilsonville families

Wilsonville families preparing to start school will be able to pick up free supplies and clothes this weekend at Heart of the City’s annual Gear Up for School event.

The event will be held between 10 a.m. and 12 p.m on Saturday, Aug. 17 at Grace Chapel Church in Wilsonville, or 27501 SW Parkway Ave. According to social media posts by the Heart of the City, a local social service organization, there will be 1,000 water bottles, 450 backpacks and a free clothing table available at the event.

Heart of the City Director Lyn Whelchel said this year’s event will have more hygiene products than in previous years, such as deodorant, bars of soap and period products. She said there will also be more clothing items available than in past years.

“Our goal this year is (for families to be able to) come shopping, because we understand that if they’re needing a backpack, they’re probably also needing clothes,” Whelchel said.

The event will also feature food, a bouncy house and face painters. Whelchel said there will be a lottery with prizes including a bike, gift cards for Target and coffee and more.

The nonprofit is preparing for approximately 800 people to attend the event. Whelchel said Gear Up for School has grown in the last several years, noting that when it began seven years ago only 100 backpacks were available.

Whelchel said she wants people to know that the organization is there for them.

“We care about people who are struggling right now, and we see you. That’s what I want people to know,” Whelchel said. “And that they’re not alone in it, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.”