Thank you to all who donated! Your giving makes a difference.
Here’s a message from Hope Helps:
| On Saturday, August 3rd, hundreds of local registered children in need received everything they needed to get prepared for the new school year. The event began with Senior Pastor Brian James of First Methodist Church of Oviedo leading the staff and volunteers in prayer, followed by a heartwarming rendition of the Star Spangled Banner by Inspired Theater Company, and the Pledge of Allegiance lead by HOPE volunteer and Seminole County Veteran of the Month, Sergeant Washburn.
The crowd was also greeted with introductory speeches by HOPE staff, a few words from our presenting sponsor Orlando Health, and a community thank you from Seminole County Schools Superintendent Serita Beamon. |
|
| The registered children received new backpacks and school supplies including notebooks, pencils, markers, and more, as well as personal hygiene products such as shampoo and body wash. The children also received packages of new underwear, as well as socks generously provided by Bombas. Children received calculators sponsored by Premier Pools of Central Florida, a free vision screening from Project Right to Sight. The children and their families were also visited by Star Wars characters from the 501st Legion and Pawfection therapy dogs for some entertainment while they were “shopping,” followed up with free fluoride treatments provided by Your Oviedo Dentist, a complimentary meal, and the opportunity to visit with partner agencies such as Seminole County Families in Need, Second Harvest Food Bank, and many more.
The Kids of HOPE Back to School Bash is a part of the Kids of HOPE Enrichment Program, which ensures that children continue to receive healthy breakfasts and lunches during every school break throughout the year. It all started months in advance with many of our local businesses and churches hosting school supply collection boxes, and an overwhelming amount of donations from the community pouring in. Hundreds of volunteers then helped collect, sort, and count the school supplies so families could get prepared for the upcoming school year. The 16th Annual Back to School Bash went off without a hitch with the help of our sponsors! |
|
To learn more about, volunteer or donate to Hope Helps, visit their website at hopehelps.org