On August 28, ARH and the City of Prestonsburg partnered to host the sixth annual Back to School Bash, albeit differently than in years past.
“Even though there’s a pandemic this year, ARH wanted to provide for those children who are in need in our community whether they start school in-person or virtually,” said Danielle Harmon, ARH Community Development Manager. “The safest way to do that was with a socially distanced drive-thru event.”
Five hundred backpacks stuffed with school supplies were distributed at the event to K-5 students, as well as electric fans for families in need and free KONA Ice for all attendees. Nearly 800 people drove through the event. Community partners, Family Resource Youth Service Center staff and volunteers came together to hand out school supplies and information on community services.
Typically, the event provides school supply-stuffed back packs as well as health screenings to all ages, free sports physicals, free food, inflatables, shaved ice, character meet and greets, and much more. Aside from a grant from Wal-Mart of Prestonsburg, the planning committee did not need to ask for additional sponsors this year. ARH and Mayor Stapleton hope to resume the fun activities in 2021.
Photo: ARH staff who worked the Drive-Thru Back to School Bash were Danielle Harmon, Deanna Hamilton, Patricia Williams, Ezalee Pigman and Russ Barker.