With the first day of school right around the corner, families gathered at First United Methodist Church of Union County on Saturday, Aug. 2, for the 10th Annual Backpack 2 School Bash, where children picked out free backpacks to stuff with school supplies.
Founded by Alexis Noe in 2016, the Backpack 2 School program provides free school supplies to any Union County student registered to participate, including homeschoolers. On Saturday, 525 children received backpacks and supplies.
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After selecting their backpacks, participants enjoyed unlimited access to bounce houses, free lunch provided by the Table Food Truck and Harmony Grove Church, and a free shaved ice treat by Chill & Fill. Children could also pose for a photo with the Union County Schools panther mascot or get their faces painted by a high school cheerleader.
Cheerleading Coach Tiffany Rogers said that while the event does provide positive publicity for the squad, the real goal is to get her students involved in “much-needed” community outreach. According to Rogers, the cheerleaders have been supporting the Backpack 2 School Bash for around five years.
“It’s an awesome initiative,” said volunteer Marlana Spaulding, who handed out backpack tags for Vertical Church alongside her friend Tracy Reed. “It shows that everybody cares about (local kids) – about their futures and helping them become who they need to become and be whatever they want to be.”
While many parents, like Lauren Marshall, appreciated the free school supplies, their children were most excited about the snacks and entertainment.
“I’m going to pet a goat!” shouted Marshall’s son, Colston, as he headed toward the Hooves and Feathers mobile petting farm, his new backpack slung over one shoulder.
Brayden Marquez operated the petting farm free of charge on Saturday. Through support from businesses like his, the event was made possible.
Backpacks, supplies and volunteers were provided by All Saints Lutheran; Day of Grace; Philadelphia Baptist; Harmony Grove; Liberty Baptist; New Harmony; First United Methodist; Pleasant Grove; St. Clare’s Episcopal; St. Francis of Assisi; First Baptist Blairsville; New Life; New Union Baptist; Coosa Methodist; and Vertical churches.
United Community Bank made a significant donation of supplies through its annual “Stuff the Bus” campaign, and SouthState, Pinnacle and River City banks donated water for the event.
Additional contributions came from Blairsville Vineyard; Ingles; the Home Depot; Moonflower Boutique; FCCLA; Chick-fil-A; Union County Rotary; Blairsville Kiwanis; Family Connection; the Council on Alcohol and Drugs; Tri-State Women’s Business Association; Lucky Dog Restaurant Group; Hooves and Feathers Petting Farm; and American Legion Auxiliary Unit 121.
The first day of the new school year begins on Wednesday, Aug. 6, and thanks to the volunteer efforts and generous community support for the Backpack 2 School Bash, more than 500 local children are all set to attend their brand-new classes.
