New back-to-school backpack fundraiser next week

A local group has launched a back to school fundraiser meant to individually prepare needy students for the new school year.

Christy Edmonds, a para professional in the Havre public school and chair of a committee working on the Back To School Bash, has partnered with the Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association and the Salvation Army to put on the event in which qualifying students can receive a backpack with customized school supplies, shoes, lunch and a haircut — if needed. The event is for children kindergarten through fifth grade, and is planned to become an annual happening.

The Back to School Bash will happen Aug. 12 at Pepin Park from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Adults completing the paperwork are asked to bring some form of identification, proof of income and residency, and a birth certificate or social security card for each child.

Backpacks, supplies and shoes will be distributed onsite, Edmonds said. Parents and accompanying students will first register, a process during which information regarding the specific school supplies needed and shoe size will be gathered. While the packs will be filled, the students will be able to get lunch, a haircut and can play at the carnival, all part of the event.

On the schedule is also Hi-Line native motivational speaker Bryce Kirk, who will give a Gospel-centered talk, Edmonds said.

Edmonds said the fundraiser is the result of what she saw as a paraprofessional. Seeing students wear oversized shoes or lacking school supplies or backpacks prompted her to action.

Edmonds said she first called the Greater Havre Area Ministerial Association, and from there, the project began to take shape and Aug. 12 will see its culmination.

People who would like to contribute can donate money to Gary & Leo’s Fresh Foods, Zip Trip or the Havre Assembly of God, which will convert the money to supplies that will be distributed the day of the event.

The Salvation Army also accepts online contributions for its back-to-school backpack program and people can donate at the Salvation Army Emergency Services Office at 328 Third Street.

Edmonds said volunteers for the event are also needed, particularly barbers, as well as people to work the registration tables and those who can fill backpacks.

For more information, people can contact Edmonds at 390-0977.