As laughter filled the air in Hampton, Shannon Posada knew it was another successful event in the books at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church.
The church’s premise was filled to the brim on Saturday, July 30, with over 3,500 individuals taking part in the eighth annual Back to School Bash.
“We had an amazing turnout for this year’s event,” Posada said.
The director of the event indicated that a rough estimate from the event showed that approximately 1,500 children, from Pre-K to high school, were provided backpacks with school supplies.
A multitude of churches participated Saturday, as families were shuttled in from Hampton High School to Harmony Freewill Baptist and were able to take part in the festivities, while getting an early start for the school year.
“It was a great day,” Posada said. “We had some new organizations take part in helping us out this year. At the end of the day, nothing beats seeing the smile on each of the kids’ faces.”
Posada did not have an exact total of churches that assisted with the Bash.
“We still have churches coming each day donating funds,” she said. “We’re very appreciative of the support.”
Along with Carter County, Posada added that the event saw individuals from across the Tri-Cities, even stretching across the state lines into North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia.
Lasting from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m., families were treated to various Disney characters roaming the area and posing for children. Free refreshments and food were also offered as different agencies, including the Carter County Health Department, Elizabethton-Carter County Public Library, Carter County Sheriff’s Department, Tennessee Highway Patrol and Army National Guard, posted up at different booths to provide fun times.
Posada estimated that 75 volunteers helped on site during the event.
“We just want to thank everyone that made things possible,” she said. “Everyone that helped things run smoothly. You could see in their faces how much fun they were having, being able to work with the children and their families.”
While serving as an outlet for children to receive school supplies, the churches’ mission of bringing the community together was able to be accomplished, according to Posada.
“Everyone came together and unified as one to make sure these children are ready for the school year,” she said. “It was a great day to come together and share the love of Christ.”
If any child is in need of school supplies, Posada added that the church can work with the family to make sure the student is ready for the school year.
“That’s always our goal,” she said. “We don’t want any child to feel left out or not have what they need for the school year.”
For more information, contact Posada at 747-5027 or contact Harmony Freewill Baptist at 725-3338.