School supplies

Suwannee Coalition’s Back to School Bash returns again this year on Saturday, Aug. 8, at the Suwannee High School auditorium and gym from 9 to 11 a.m. This community-wide event provides 1,000 K-12 students with free backpacks and school supplies, fun activities, tasty refreshments and messages of encouragement every year. This event is made possible through generous donations, sponsors and the efforts of many volunteers.

Volunteers will begin stuffing 1,000 backpacks full of school supplies the Friday before the Bash, and on Saturday folks may line up as early as 7 a.m., according to Steven Schneitman, volunteer and director of Suwannee Coalition’s parent organization, the Youth Advocacy Partnership.

The Bash starts inside the SHS auditorium where students and their families will be greeted with an inspirational message from local churches.

“The central message of these churches is, ‘As Christians, we believe in God and that God tells us to love our neighbors,’” Schneitman explained. “‘As members of our community, you all are our neighbors. We want to show our love to you by giving back to you with school supplies so you can start the new year on the right foot.’”

After receiving the message, students will get a backpack tailored to their grade level. Folks can then move into the vendor and activity area in the SHS gym where local businesses and organizations will have even more supplies to hand out along with helpful information about things like health, nutrition, safety and government programs. Finally, folks can grab some free food and drinks as they leave the gym.

“Over the years, we’ve done a lot of events, but Back to School Bash has become the signature thing Suwannee Coalition has done,” Schneitman said. “It’s the longest-lasting testament to the community to come together and solve a problem.

“Volunteers are a huge part of it,” continued Schneitman. “These emotional, personal stories come out and we know the Bash is worth doing. We always debate if we should do it again every year, and we always say ‘yes’ because of those moments when a family in real need is helped.”

Suwannee Coalition works alongside Christ Central Ministries of Live Oak and the Florida Department of Health in Suwannee County to organize the Bash. Love INC is providing storage for the backpacks this year, and folks can drop off school supply donations at their location at 120 N. Ohio Ave. in Live Oak. Monetary donations are encouraged, however, as Suwannee Coalition uses the money to purchase supplies in bulk.

SHS is located at 1314 Pine Ave. SW in Live Oak and admission to the Bash is open to all Suwannee County students and their parents or guardians. Backpacks and school supplies are available on a first come, first serve basis.
For more information, including ways to donate, become a sponsor or volunteer for the Back to School Bash, please visit www.backtoschoolbash.org, e-mail suwanneecoalition@mac.com or call 386-362-2272.