Local News
Back to School Bashes
JOE SEELIG
Published: August 11, 2012
SEBRING - There will be two Back to School Bashes held in Sebring on Saturday, Aug. 18, at which children in need will be able to get some of the supplies necessary for a good start as public schools prepare to open Monday, Aug. 20.Published: August 11, 2012
The first bash is the 13th annual event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on East Center Avenue and Martin Luther King Boulevard at the Boys and Girls Club of Sebring, with the support of the Florida Sportsmen's Association and the Washington Heights Concerned Citizens Group.
"I ordered like $400 in backpacks yesterday," said Bob Saffold on Friday, with the Florida Sportsmen. "I may be getting those tomorrow."
He said he has gotten some bags of school supplies from Publix supermarket and the people of the Unity Church have been generous in their donations.
"They did a real good job," he said, adding he has a lot of supplies in storage. "We applaud what they did. We appreciate what they did. We'll be moving some of the bags today."
Aside from the supplies there will be a basketball tournament, instruction on fire safety, free haircuts, the health department will have a booth with free immunization shots and back to school physicals, there will be music, bounce houses, recreation, hot dogs available and popcorn.
"All supplies and services are available while they last so get there early," the event flyer said.
To donate or supply a free service call Saffold at 381-5166.
The second bash is a third annual event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., at the Highlands County Family YMCA off Hammock Road and Lakewood Road, put on by the Sebring Florida Community Lighthouse affiliated with Aglow International; with the help of Youth for Christ and several area churches.
It will be all free with games, prizes, food, and fun – plus backpacks and school supplies while they last. West Sebring Volunteer Fire Department will have a fire truck.
A nutritionist will also be present.
"So many people have contributed financially," said Phyllis Bippus, with Community Lighthouse. "We have filled almost 500 plastic bags of school supplies. Any children in the community who need supplies are invited."
The Union Congregational Church in Avon Park has helped with storage as well as filling the bags, she said. The Assembly of God church on Kenilworth Boulevard donated cash and two large boxes of supplies.
"We have 50 backpacks so far," she said, plus they'll have smaller backpacks for kindergarteners. "We think it's going to be bigger and better than ever."
To donate money or supplies contact Emma Lockett at 464-0063.
jseelig@highlandstoday.com (863) 386-5834