Whether it’s exciting or something that’s dreaded, back to school season is officially upon us! To kick off the season and support their community, Ross Medical Education Center in Owensboro, Kentucky wanted to do something to help out those in their community that struggle to start the new school year prepared. In order to do that and make a big impact, they recently participated in the 3rd Annual Back to School Bash at Mount Calvary Baptist Church.
The mission at Mount Calvary Baptist Church is: “Growing by Faith” and they work to extend that sentiment into their community. “My vision of starting the Back to School Bash was I saw the need in the community and I wanted to help,” Pastor Andre Bradley shared about the idea behind the event. “When a child is not fully equipped to go back to school, it impacts their learning and self esteem.”
Each year the Back to School Bash has become bigger and better. During the first year, 250 bags with school supplies were given out. The second year, 452 Backpacks with school supplies were given. However, this year broke both records, and 578 backpacks, fully loaded with school supplies, were given out. The nearly 600 area families that came by with their children that are heading off to school was able to leave with a backpack full of supplies and big smiles on their faces. At the end of the event, the volunteers were also smiling and excited to send so many kids to school prepared to learn. It was a great year, but Pastor Andre Bradley already has big hopes for the future, saying, “the goal next year is to give away 1000 backpacks fully loaded with school supplies.
“I was so impressed with how the community came together and helped to make this event a success,” shared Campus Director LaTasha Shemwell. “I was so thankful that our organization was able to donate 570 folders and truly thankful I was surrounded by positive people who care about the children in our community.” Other organizations that made donations, participated, and helped to spread the word were WalMart, BB&T, Independence Bank, OCTC, Kentucky Wesleyan, Brescia, Girls Inc., WBKR, and the Messenger Inquirer.
Throughout the day of the event, Mount Calvary Baptist Church also provided food and fun activities such as inflatables, a cake walk, and face painting. Overall, it was a very successful and rewarding day that is sure to positively impact the children in the local schools and the community as a whole.