By Madison Linton
news@thehartwellsun.com
On Sunday, July 19, Flat Shoals Baptist Church, located at 2999 Bowersville Highway, will hold a free, one-day back-to-school bash in the gym from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. in partnership with St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, Vituity Healthcare Solutions and Hart Partners. Students must be present.
Designed to assist Hart and Franklin-based families with preparation for the upcoming school year, participants of all ages will receive free backpacks, which will include a water bottle and school supplies. As for specific school supplies needs, the organizers are partnering with local schools to ensure that students receive exactly what is necessary.
“There are many children in our area whose families face financial challenges that can impact their child’s success in school,” Regina Hooper, associate chief nursing officer from St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital said in a press release. “When the community comes together like this, we can help these children get off to a good start that will benefit them for their entire life.”
Families in attendance will be given access to free food, such as hot dogs, chips and drinks, free Pelican’s Snoballs cones for children and no-charge sports physicals.
According to Kimberly Hemphill, St. Mary’s regional director of community health and well-being, supply donations from the community are needed and appreciated. Pencils, notebooks and crayons are of higher need. Donations an be dropped off at St. Mary’s Sacred Heart Hospital, located at 367 Clear Creek Parkway in Lavonia.
“Providing free school supplies, preventive health services and basic necessities at the Back-to-School Bash aligns with St. Mary’s Mission to serve together in the spirit of the Gospel to be a transforming healing presence in our community,” Hemphill said in a press release. “Reducing some of the barriers families face helps ensure students are better prepared to succeed academically while supporting the overall health of the community.”
For information regarding this event, contact Hooper at ahooper@stmaryssacredheart.org or Hemphill at kimberly.hemphill@stmarysathens.org