The Great Falls Rescue Mission has been doing a back-to-school backpack drive for decades. Several other agencies have been doing a similar event and have joined forces for one huge event. “This is our third year of joining forces with other partner organizations in the community,” explained Carrie Matter with the Great Falls Rescue Mission.
Last year approximately 1200 kids received backpacks during the event. This year, they are preparing for 1500 attendees. This will ensure that there are extra supplies for those who are unable to attend the event. “The main community that we serve is Cascade County, but we have others in the outlying areas that come down and receive backpacks as well,” explained Carrie.
This event aims to provide resources that will set the children up for success in the upcoming school year and beyond. While they may not provide every single item on the school supply list, this event helps alleviate some of the financial burden. Their goal is to ensure that lack of resources does not hinder the children’s education or success in life.
Back 2 School Blast will take place Friday, August 16th at the Mansfield Convention Center. Pre-registered attendees can arrive from 11 am to 4 pm, and walk-in families can arrive from 12 noon to 4 pm.
In addition to distributing backpacks filled with school supplies, this event also offers free haircuts, which are one of the most requested services for the families that stop by.
Volunteers will be needed to help stuff the backpacks from August 5th to August 9th as well as barbers and beauticians who would like to contribute their time to provide free haircuts. If you would like to volunteer, you can sign up at https://www.uwccmt.org/back2school-blast.
The event sponsors for this year are Town Pump Charitable Foundation and Steel Etc. Champion Sponsors include Alliance for Youth, Great Falls Association of Realtors, Great Falls Public Schools, Great Falls Rescue Mission, SCHEELS, and United Way of Cascade County.
Additional Sponsors include Alluvion, Blue Cross Blue Shield Care Van, Dandelion Foundation, Hometana, Indian Family Health Clinic, Marshall Orthodontics, Many Rivers Whole Health, Rocky Mountain Porta Potties, Scripps – KRTV, Victory Church, and Walmart.
Food Sponsors include Frosty’s of Montana, Little Annie’s, and Victory Church.
Partner Agencies/Vendors include Benchmark Human Services, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Big Sky Bus Lines, Central Catholic High School, City-County Health Department, City of Great Falls – Park & Recreation, Family Connections, Family Promise, Great Falls College MSU, Great Falls Public Library, Great Falls Public Schools Indigenous Education, Great Falls Public Schools Peer Mentor Group, Montana Legal Services Association, NeighborWorks Great Falls, Shodair Children’s Hospital, Sunrise Lions Club, and Toys for Tots.
Author: Karen Anderson
Karen is the Editor-in-Chief overseeing all news operations at Foxys Publishing Co. She also loves photography and spending time with her dogs.
