Springfield's Back To School Bash offers free backpacks, groceries, hygiene kits July 29
A year ago, a one-stop event Springfield Public Schools created to help meet families' back-to-school needs drew at least 6,300 parents and students — many of whom arrived early and stood in line amid a downpour.
Organizers, who opened the doors early, were thrilled with the turnout. This year they hope for sunny skies and even more participation.
"There was really a great spirit of gratitude. People were happy. It was just amazing. We had great feedback," said Ron Woodard, director of family support services for SPS. "So, obviously, when you do a second one, you hope you can get the same kind of feedback."
The free event will offer backpacks, hygiene kits, groceries, athletic physicals, immunizations and a job fair. Families can also connect with community resources and district officials.
It will be from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at the Springfield Expo Center.
"The premise behind this is that we want to create some motivation and excitement about kids going back to school and being ready to learn in addition to providing what families need in order to be ready for school to start," Woodard said.
Last year, the district gave away 4,200 backpacks and prepared 4,288 meals.
Community partners including Care to Learn and Convoy of Hope provided 25,000 hygiene items, 52,000 pounds of groceries and 6,000 pairs of socks.
"All the resources were popular from the backpacks to the hygiene hits. Groceries, of course, are always needed and appreciated by families," said Jessica Blake, coordinator of community relations. "Everybody was excited about a free lunch last year. It gave them a chance to sit a little bit and be part of the fun activities."
Blake said there will be bounce houses, a fun and games area, STEM robotics, esports, and vehicles from emergency first-responders.
This year, more than 200 volunteers and 50 community partners are participating.
"We cannot do this without the volunteer support and the community coming along beside us with this support," she said.
Blake said Bass Pro Shops has donated a wide range of items as door prizes. They include bicycles, coolers and sports bottles.
Woodard said the event was carefully planned down to the date. It falls one week before Missouri's annual Back-to-School State Tax-Free Weekend, which is Aug. 4-6.
"Some are asking why we are having it so early, a month before school," he said. "The purpose of that is so we can provide high quality resources the week before tax-free weekend so whatever they don't get from us — if they have remaining items left on their checklist — they can get those at a reduced price through tax-free weekend."
This year, the first 5,000 parents who fill out an application to see if their children are eligible for free or reduced price school meals will receive a $20 gift card from Walmart at the event. Families can also get the gift card if they show proof the have filled it out online.
Want to go?
Springfield Public Schools Back To School Bash is 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 29 at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St.
The event is free to attend.
Students can sign up in advance to receive a free sports physical at the event. To register, go to www.sps.org/backtoschoolbash.
Claudette Riley covers education for the News-Leader. Email tips and story ideas to criley@news-leader.com.
This article originally appeared on Springfield News-Leader: Free SPS back-to-school event offers backpacks, groceries July 29
