Kids' Needs of Greater Englewood reports the annual Back to School Bash Aug. 4 at the Englewood YMCA was a success with the aid of Boca Grande donations.
People started lining up at 7 a.m. - three hours before doors opened at 10 a.m. - and soon the line was around the building. Everyone was helped.
Community groups from Lemon Bay High School and St. Andrew's Episcopal Church of Boca Grande distributed nearly 500 backpacks of school supplies, toiletries, school clothes and shoes.
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Community groups from Lemon Bay High School and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church of Boca Grande distributed nearly 500 backpacks of school supplies, toiletries, school clothes and shoes.
Seventy-five children received complimentary haircuts and a dozen received immunizations.
"The hot dogs, popcorn and drinks were also a hit," said Nancy Buechler in a press release.
Kids' Needs of Greater Englewood is a nonprofit organization that provides clothes, school supplies, toiletries and educational programs for children at all Englewood public schools.
"This is truly a community effort with several organizations and individuals donating items, food, and services to benefit Englewood students," said Buechler.
Kids' Needs coordinates efforts to provide Englewood school children by keeping supplies in public schools such as L.A. Ainger Middle School, which serves Boca Grande students.
Children constantly outgrow and just wear out their clothes and shoes so these are collected and distributed year round," Buechler said. "School supplies are also replenished as needed."
Donation boxes are located throughout the community, including St. Andrews Church on Boca Grande and The Key Agency at 1201 S. McCall Road.
Kids' Needs has immediate need of school shoes for younger children, especially ages 5 to 10. Backpacks are needed, too, as the middle school has eliminated lockers and the high school plans to eliminate them.
"Because students will be carrying their books all day, we expect the back packs to wear out more quickly," Buechler said.
For a list of all donation locations go to kidsneedsenglewood.org, call Buechler at (941) 697-0885 or e-mail nancybue@aol.com.
