photo by note thanun via Unsplash
Harvest Church's Supersized Back-to-School Fair is Back
August 5, 2022
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With a tagline of Blessing Kids from Head to Toe, Harvest Church is once again hosting its supersized Back-to-School Fair in partnership with community organizations to help struggling families get their kids ready for the new school year. Scheduled for Saturday, August 13 at Harvest Church from 9am-3pm, the Back-to-School Fair provides free supplies and backpacks (found in the gym) while supplies last and additional services that help ease the back-to-school burden.
“The heart of this event is to bless kids and families with services and supplies so Billings children enter their first day of school feeling no less than their peers,” said Darian Armer, Harvest Kids Elementary Director.
Beyond the gym, free services such as haircuts, vision screenings, sports physicals, assistance applying for Medicaid, and more are available throughout the rest of the building. (You'll receive a map of service locations at the door).
Community partners like Trailhead Pediatric Dentistry, Drs. McBride, Steiner & Lebsock, WIC, the Department of Health and Human Services, the YMCA and St. Vincent Healthcare and many others have committed to help families in a variety of ways. Local hair stylists from Best Barbers, Platinum Salon and Spa, Thairapy Salon, and Absolute Envy Salon & Spa will provide free haircuts for the day.
Other businesses, including Albertsons and Walmart, have donated non-perishable food items and supplies to be given away at the event.
Here's how it works:
Start by picking up a map of services and supplies in the lobby. (Reminder, this is a first come, first served event).
SPACES & PLACES
- School Supplies & Healthy Snack Zone- Go to the gym to fill your backpack, check out the YMCA's obstacle course, and snag some healthy snacks.
- Medical Services- Community partners will be on-site providing dental and eye health assistance. Trailhead Pediatric Dentistry will give away dental goodie bags and help schedule cleanings. Local optometrists will provide a vision voucher toward a pair of glasses at their practice. Strategic Partner, LaVie, will provide free sports physicals.
- Applications & Safety Info- The Montana Department of Health and Human Services will be on hand to help families determine eligibility and apply for Medicaid; WIC will also be available with info. Billings Clinic Trauma Center will provide bicycle safety training for little ones who walk or bike to school. St. Vincent Healthcare will also be available with water safety and nutritional information.
- First Day Ensemble Shopping & Haircuts- The First Day Outfit Store will allow kiddos to choose an outfit for the first day of school (sizes and selections limited), however they want to let your older kids choose their own clothes from the store. So, they'll be happy to provide a gift card for older kids to put toward a new outfit. Finally, head upstairs for a fresh haircut by one of the stylists.
If you're needing a little help getting your kiddos ready for the new school year, let Harvest be a blessing to your kiddos, from head to toe. There will even be an obstacle course and inflatables for the littles to play on while you wait for supplies and services.
