Salvation Army's Back-to-School Bash doles out supplies, confidence

From Bluey to Dora to Transformers, nearly 350 colorful bookbags — and all the supplies that could fit into them — went home with school-aged children at the Paul Field Memorial Back-to-School Bash at the Salvation Army in Brackenridge.

In its 15th year, the event doubled as a festival for giddy children who were treated to Kona Ice, a bounce house, popcorn and a tour of the Pioneer Hose fire engine.

“This year’s bash was nothing short of extraordinary,” said Highlands School Board member Eli Majocha, who, for the third year, partnered with the team to fundraise for donations.

Majocha spent the summer months soliciting funds to buy carts full of notebooks, glue sticks, crayons and more to stuff the colorful backpacks.

According to statistica.com, the average household in the United States will spend about $875 on school supplies this year.

“My goal was modest, just to exceed last year’s total of over $2,600,” Majocha said. “I’m thrilled to share that we surpassed expectations, raising more than $5,600 on my own behalf.”

Sponsored by Aetna and the Highlands Rotary Club, the program is aimed at arming kids with supplies — and confidence — to head back to the classroom.

“This is a tremendous event for our community’s kids, and it is our honor to hold it each year,” Salvation Army Capt. Selah Bender said.

“The kids are prepared and even a little excited for all the opportunities and challenges that come with the new school year. We have even seen children since the event that are still carrying the backpacks around in anticipation.”

More than 400 people turned out to the facility on Brackenridge Avenue on Saturday, Aug. 10, lining the parking lot to take part in a dunk tank and get free haircuts. Back-to-school styles were provided by Twisted Scissors and Willy T’s Cuts.

There also were bike giveaways, raffle baskets for children and parents, and feminine hygiene products.

The event, founded 15 years ago by the Field family, has grown from a way to supplement school spending to a full-blown carnival.

About 80 backpacks were given away in the first year. Now, the rows of cartoon-colored bags take up a whole room in the Salvation Army social hall. Everyone gets to pick a theme that suits their personality, helping to boost their self-confidence.

“What an amazing day of fellowship,” Bender said. “We are so thankful to all of our supporters, donors, volunteers and our staff that make this event a success each year.”