UPDATE: Registration is now closed (Aug. 10)
At least 1,500 local children living in poverty will start the school year with school supplies and much more, thanks to Community Link Mission food pantry, Tarrant County College Northwest Campus and partners in the community. TCC is hosting Community Link’s annual Back-to-School Bash, which provides supplies and services for kids throughout northwest Tarrant County.
The free festival will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 13, at TCC Northwest Campus (4801 Marine Creek Parkway, Fort Worth). Eligible students will receive backpacks, school supplies, new athletic shoes and socks, haircuts, eye screenings and glasses, books, and medical and dental checkups. The event also includes free food, live music and family activities.
“When kids have the supplies and support they need, going back to school becomes fun—and that can make all the difference for their future,” said Lisa Benedetti, dean of the Humanities Division at Northwest Campus.
Community Link began its Back-to-School Bash 10 years ago with basic supplies for a small number of children. With the generosity of community partners, the event has grown to comprehensively assist students in need throughout Community Link’s 178-square-mile service area (ZIP codes 76052, 76114, 76131, 76135, 76137, 76177 and 76179).
“For many families, the costs associated with going back to school can present a real challenge,” said Lara Gay, associate director of Community Link. “Every child deserves to walk into the classroom prepared, excited and ready to learn. That’s what our Back-to-School Bash is all about, and this year’s event will serve more kids than ever.”
To participate, families must meet income guidelines and live in the Community Link service area or have a student enrolled in Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District. For more information about eligibility or to contribute to the event, visit www.Community-Link.org or contact Gay at LaraGay@community-link.org or 817-847-4554.
Current sponsors and participants include TCC; Essilor Vision Foundation; Home Depot of Lake Worth; Tarrant Area Food Bank – Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP); Medicaid; Medicare; Texas Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF); Girl Scouts of Texas Oklahoma Plains; Eagle Mountain-Saginaw Independent School District; Chisolm Trail High School Drum Line and Charmers Dance Team; Fort Worth Independent School District; All About Tonight DJ; Lions Club; Dr. Ballard Family Dentistry; Rodeo Dental; Literacy Connexus; Chick-fil-A of Lake Worth; Whataburger of Saginaw; Savanna’s Snowcones and Hawk Plumbing, Heating and Air Conditioning.
EVENT DAY CONTACT ONLY
Lisa Benedetti
lisa.benedetti@tccd.edu
817-891-4891