Annual Back to School Bash Set to Benefit 1,600 Students

The annual Back to School Bash organized by Pantry Plus More will take place on August 5, 2023, at the Mon County Center in Mylan Park. This community event is poised to support approximately 1,600 school-age children in the area by providing essential school supplies and resources. The event is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and aims to alleviate financial burdens for families as the school year begins.

Event chair Amanda Bolyard expressed her enthusiasm for the Bash, highlighting its importance in fostering a sense of excitement among children. “What I love about the Bash is that it gives volunteers like myself a real-life glimpse into the work that you’re doing,” Bolyard stated. “Watching a kid pick out a backpack with a character they like or a color they want is an amazing feeling.”

The Back to School Bash began in 2018 with the mission to ensure every child in Monongalia County can start the school year with a new backpack and the necessary supplies. This initiative reflects a broader commitment to addressing educational challenges faced by students in the region. “The Bash is important to our work as education is the pathway out of poverty,” Bolyard added.

Free items available at the event will include backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene products. Additionally, families will find vendor resource tables offering information about various local support services. The Monongalia County Health Department will also provide physical exams for $20 and information about the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.

While pre-registration is encouraged through the Pantry Plus More Facebook page, students can also register on the day of the event. As of the latest update, over 1,400 students have already registered. Volunteers are welcome to sign up through links available on social media or at pantryplusmore.org.

The community can also contribute by making monetary donations or providing in-kind contributions such as spiral notebooks, composition books, and other new school supplies. Bolyard noted that the Bash is the largest single-day event organized by Pantry Plus More, requiring extensive preparation and collaboration with local partners.

Support from organizations including Northeast Natural Energy, which contributed $10,000 for hygiene products, plays a crucial role in the event’s success. Other contributors like Chestnut Ridge Church, Mon Health, and the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust have also provided vital support.

Bolyard concluded by emphasizing the positive impact of the event: “Just seeing one kid come through and be excited to go to school instead of the alternative feeling of shame or embarrassment – seeing one child like that makes it all worth it. It’s very special.” The Back to School Bash not only equips children with necessary supplies but also fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility in supporting local families.