The best part of the annual Back to School Event is watching the children's faces light up, state Rep. Mike Sturla said.
It's "like Christmas in August," he said, as they receive everything they'll need to start off the new school year right.
Held Sunday at Clipper Magazine Stadium, the 13th annual edition of the Back to School Event was the biggest ever. More than 2,000 students were signed up in advance; hundreds more registered as walk-ins on Sunday, organizers said. Adding in parents and caregivers, total attendance exceeded 5,000.
They thronged the stadium concourse, where more than 300 volunteers were handing out school supplies: Backpacks, school uniforms, shoes, books and more. Students received free haircuts, munched on free food, tried out musical instruments, played games and more.
Despite overcast skies, rain largely held off throughout the afternoon, give or take a few sprinkles here and there. The day concluded with free admission to the Lancaster Stormers' game against the Staten Island Ferry Hawks.
Organizing and coordinating the event were the offices of Sturla and state Rep Ismail Smith-Wade El, whose districts jointly encompass the School District of Lancaster. They also represent portions of three other districts, Hempfield, Manheim Township and Penn Manor, whose students were also invited to participate. Students entering kindergarten through 8th grade are eligible.
Smith-Wade-El's office began getting involved in the Back to School Event last year; this year, he became an official co-host.
"Mike and I talk a lot about education." he said. The Back to School Event, he said, provides an opportunity "to not just say we want your kids' home school to be fully funded, but we want them to go back to school with everything that they need."
In all, well over 80 businesses and community organizations took part. United Way of Lancaster County helped coordinate the many volunteers who assisted with sorting and packing, transportation, distribution and cleanup.
It's amazing to see the community come out to support our most precious resource, our kiddos," United Way President Kate Zimmerman said. "… We're just proud to be part of it."
Sturla said he remembers the event's first year. He arrived an hour early to see a long line of parents and children stretching around the block, hoping for one of the 150 backpacks his office had available to donate. His team passed them out, collected the names of everyone who hadn't received one, then made sure they all received backpacks, too.
The event grew from there. The sixth edition was the first to be held at Clipper Magazine Stadium. During the pandemic, it was reorganized as a drive-through event, ensuring children could continue to receive the supplies they need.
Parents are sometimes moved to tears by the generosity, Sturla said: "But they're children deserve it. And they are so appreciative."
This year's event is Sturla's last: He is retiring at the end of the legislative session. Nikki Rivera, a Warwick school teacher and president of the Manheim Township School Board, will take his place on the Democratic ticket in the Nov. 5 election, running against Republican Eric Beezer.
Smith-Wade-El said his team is looking forward to working with Sturla's successor to continue to grow the event.
Sturla thanked everyone who provided time, money or in-kind donations to help make children's lives better.
"There's just a whole lot of community effort and spirit here," he said.
Photos
(Photos by Anna Smucker | One United Lancaster) except as noted.)
