Thousands Expected at Mylan Park’s Annual Back to School Bash

The annual Back to School Bash, organized by Pantry Plus More, is set to take place on August 5, 2023, at the Mon County Center in Mylan Park. The event aims to support local students by providing essential school supplies, including backpacks and hygiene products, to approximately 1,600 children in the area. Volunteers and community partners have dedicated significant time and resources to ensure the success of this initiative.

Event chair Amanda Bolyard emphasized the emotional impact of the Bash, stating, “What I love about the Bash is that it gives volunteers like myself a real-life glimpse into the work that you’re doing. The kids are so excited. Watching a kid pick out a backpack with a character they like or a color they want is an amazing feeling.”

Supporting Educational Success

Launched in 2018, the Back to School Bash seeks to provide every child in Monongalia County with a brand-new backpack and school supplies. This initiative is rooted in the belief that students who are not preoccupied with their lack of resources can focus better on their education. The event aligns with the broader mission of Pantry Plus More, which aims to eliminate hunger and other barriers to educational achievement.

“The Bash is important to our work as education is the pathway out of poverty,” Bolyard noted. On the day of the event, supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis to all Pre-K through 12th-grade students attending schools in Monongalia County. In addition to backpacks and school supplies, families will have access to information from various local support services via vendor resource tables.

The Monongalia County Health Department will also participate, offering physicals 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 may also register on-site.

Community Involvement and Support

As of August 1, over 1,400 children had already registered for the event, reflecting strong community interest and support. 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 donations of essential school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and crayons.

Bolyard highlighted the scale of the event, describing it as the largest single-day undertaking by Pantry Plus More. A year of preparation is required, supported by local partners such as Northeast Natural Energy, which donated $10,000 for hygiene products, along with Chestnut Ridge Church, Mon Health, and the Hazel Ruby McQuain Charitable Trust.

Reflecting on the impact of the event, Bolyard stated, “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.”