This summer, in preparation for the back to school season, Ross Medical Education Center in Owensboro, Kentucky participated in the Mount Calvary Baptist Church 4th Annual Back to School Bash. The Mission at Mount Calvary Baptist church is “Growing by Faith,” and that’s something they are committed to doing, even as they reach out into the community and help those in need whether it’s through this event or any of the other similar ones they host throughout the year.
“My vision for starting the Back to School Bash was that I saw the need in the community, and I wanted to help,” shared Pastor Andre Bradley. “When a child is not fully equipped to go back to school, it impacts their learning and self esteem. Last year we gave away over 500 backpacks to the community, and our goal this year our goal was 600. Mount Calvary is grateful to God for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of families.” This year, Mount Calvary Baptist Church was very proud to have made their goal of purchasing and giving away 600 backpacks filled with necessary school supplies for children in their community.
Knowing the tremendous impact that this event has on the local area and its families, the Ross Owensboro team was very excited to join the cause. That’s why this July several students, staff members, and instructors from Ross Medical Education Center in Owensboro delivered 800 folders to Mount Calvary Baptist Church. They then stuck around and helped them stuff the 600 backpacks to get ready for the main event later in the month.
Besides folders, many other items were stuffed in the backpack like glue sticks, erasers, pencils, markers, note tablets, loose leaf paper, and pencil pouches. All of the backpacks were divided up for students in grade school, middle school, and high school. Then, on Saturday, July 22nd, several staff and faculty members from Ross set up a booth at the Back to School Bash. “When we arrived at 8:30 to set up our booth and there were already people in line to receive backpacks, I knew then it was going to be a great turnout,” Campus Director LaTasha Shemwell stated. “It was also great to see free refreshments being given away such as popcorn, cotton candy, slushies, hot dogs, chips, and drinks. Free fun activities were also provided such as inflatables, a dunk booth, and face painting. Ross Medical Education Center was thrilled to be a part of such a great community event.” All 600 backpacks with school supplies were given away at the event to students preparing to go back to school, and it was a huge success!