Families can begin registering on Saturday, July 11 for the annual Back2School program, which provides free backpacks, school supplies, shoes and other essentials to help students start the new school year prepared.
Founded by Michael Harrison, lead pastor at The Community Fellowship church, the program is now celebrating its 20th year. Students also can receive free haircuts and other services courtesy of volunteers and community partners.
“It’s our 20th year, so we definitely are excited to continue to grow our opportunities to help the community,” Katie Whitlow, project leader, said.
Planning for this year’s program began in February. Ten registration sites will serve families in Martinsville, Henry County and Patrick County.
Children entering prekindergarten through 12th grade are eligible. Students must attend registration with a parent or guardian so volunteers can properly measure them for new shoes.
“It has to be in person because that gives us a chance to measure students and ensure that when we order shoes, they will fit them properly,” Whitlow said.
The organization estimates it costs about $25 to provide a backpack for one student.
“For the program to be successful, we have to raise $80,000 to $120,000 a year,” Whitlow said.
School supplies also will be collected during a donation drive July 17-19 at the Martinsville Walmart. Volunteers will be stationed at both entrances, and a yellow school bus will be parked outside to collect donated items.
“We fill the backpacks with supplies from the school bus collection,” Whitlow said.
Whitlow said families are not required to provide extensive documentation to receive assistance.
“We just need the child. We are not going to ask anything in particular,” she said. “Anybody who wants help, we can help, and you don’t have to be from this area.”
School supplies will be distributed Aug. 8. A separate distribution for students with special needs will be held Aug. 7 by appointment.
Whitlow said hearing directly from families has reinforced the importance of the program.
“I get a behind-the-scenes look. All the phone calls for Back2School come to my phone,” she said. “A lot of the time, I get some insight into what people are facing. I don’t know how you could not want to be part of this program.”
She added, “I have a whole collection of stories that weigh heavy on my heart. We are able to be hopeful, share that support, share the love of Jesus.”
For more information, call 276-565-8234, visit gob2s.com or email [email protected].
Registration sites
Henry County (9 a.m.-noon, July 11):
The Community Fellowship, 2674 Virginia Ave., Collinsville
Fairway Baptist Church, 9427 Fairystone Park Highway, Bassett
First Baptist Church Ridgeway, 15 Church St., Ridgeway
Hillcrest Baptist Church, 18075 A.L. Philpott Highway, Ridgeway
Amazing Grace Baptist Church, 755 Fairystone Park Highway, Stanleytown
Martinsville (6-8 p.m.):
Uptown Ministry Center, 145 E. Main St., July 11, noon-3 p.m., and Tuesday, July 22, 6-8 p.m.
Patrick County:
Middle Cross Missionary Baptist Church, 59 Wayside Road, Stuart.
