The Highland Assembly of God’s 13th Annual Backpack Extravaganza slated for Aug. 5 from 8 a.m. to 12 noon is rapidly approaching.
The extravaganza offers a kickstart for students to the upcoming school year and provides them with the tools they need for the best chances at success while lifting some of the financial burden from parents.
“We are going to have a great day of fun, food, carnival atmosphere. We’re giving away free backpacks to the kids who show up for pre-k through 12th grade. We’ll have new shoes for all sizes, a DJ, bounce houses, hoping to have our magician back and a puppet show. Just a lot of fun things for the day,” said Monica Wiles, member of the Highland Assembly of God coordinating team for the Backpack Extravaganza. “This is a great way to get the kids ready for back to school with a new backpack and a new pair of shoes.”
Wiles said there are some new things taking place at this year’s event as the church has partnered with Rural Compassion in Springfield to provide more for the students.
“They’re called Rural Compassion and are out of Springfield. They are bringing some items that we are going to distribute out. Hygiene packets and some home supplies. Things that can be helpful to the families as they’re having to spend money in other places. These items are to help fill some of the gaps while they’re having to spend money other places,” Wiles said.
As she thought back over past years events, Wiles said this year is particularly special to her, not only as a member of the church and community, but as an employee of the local school district as well.
“I was thinking back as we began preparing for this year and this is our 13th year. We began this program when this year’s seniors were kindergartners, and we were putting backpacks in their hands as kindergartens and those kids are now seniors. For their whole educational life, Highland Assembly and the community have rallied around these kids and given them hope,” Wiles said. “We’ve given them an opportunity to go to school and be like everyone else and look like everyone else and feel important and special for that day. Maybe things weren’t so positive in their families, or their families were just needing a bright spot in their year. We’ve been able to do that as a community.”
For families who attend the Backpack Extravaganza, especially those with multiple children, the financial burden lifted is noteworthy.
“Getting ready for school is not cheap at all. We spend an average of $100 per child at Backpack between the backpacks and the shoes and so if you have four children or whatever your child number is, that is an impact on a monthly budget helping get ready for school,” Wiles said. “We just invite the community to come out Aug. 5 from 8 to noon. Come to the property of Highland Assembly on the four lane and look for the carnival atmosphere. That’s what you’ll find. You’ll find ambulances, bounce houses, fire trucks, Djs playing great fun music, water balloon fights, snow cones, shoes, backpacks and hope.”
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