Free Back to School Bash set for Aug. 21

The start of school is just around the corner, and with that in mind, the 6th annual Back to School Bash will be held Saturday, Aug. 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Pepin Park in Havre.

The free event was organized by Back to School Bash Chairperson Christy Edmonds and Havre's Salvation Army.

"The backpacks and school supplies are run by Salvation Army, and they've been doing that for many, many years now. And they have like a specific income type qualification that people have to fit into to get the backpacks and the school supplies," Edmonds said. "However, the shoes and the haircuts is run by another, a different committee, and that does not have specific qualifications that you have to fit to get school shoes and haircuts for kids."

Trina Crawford, Havre Salvation Army director of emergency services, said income level on of the requirements to receive backpacks and school supplies is that people are up to 125 percent over the federal poverty level or if people are in need and can bring documents to show the need.

"If you're higher than that, and there is an actual need, you can show proof, maybe some medical bills or something like that has caused you to go into need, we definitely help with people that are in need," Crawford said.

She said the Salvation Army always tries to work with people and if they have any questions, to reach out and let the Salvation Army determine if they meet requirements.

Crawford said parents need to contact the Salvation Army, fill out an application and have applications submitted by Tuesday, Aug. 17. She added the application must include a picture ID from the adult filling out the form, another form of ID, such as a birth certificate for every family member, proof of residency and proof of income.

People interested can contact Crawford at 406-265-6411. If Crawford can't be reached, she asked people to leave a message with a callback number.

People can also visit Crawford at the Salvation Army office Mondays and Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. to noon or 1-2:30 p.m. She is also available Thursdays 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Crawford said the office is not going to be open this week, so those hours will be effective starting Aug. 9.

Edmonds said the event will also feature a carnival, bouncy toys from Havre's Bounce On In inflatables business, and a lunch will be provided. She said the lunch is usually hotdogs and salad but the lunch has not been determined yet for this year's event.

She added there is no specific time people need to show up.

Crawford also said no specific time is set during the event for backpack and supply pick-up.

Crawford said volunteers are needed to help with the event, including people willing to donate supplies. People can contact Crawford for a full list of supplies the Salvation Army is looking for.

She added that the Salvation Army is also working with Gary & Leo's Fresh Foods and Walmart for the bash. She said people can purchase a backpack loaded with school supplies from Gary & Leo's for $25.

Additionally, Crawford said she and Walmart are working alongside Coca-Cola on a "Stuff The Bus" campaign. "Stuff The Bus" will be Aug. 6-8. Crawford said a bin at Walmart has been set up for people to drop off school supplies for the Back to School Bash event.

"Anybody that has school supplies, if they want to donate them, they can take them to (The Salvation Army Retail Thrift Store in Havre.) Just let them know it's school supplies, it's for the school supplies program and they will make sure we get it. Or they can bring it to the office when it's open, and they can also donate that way," Crawford said.

Edmonds said no specific COVID-19 precautions will be in place but hand sanitizer will be available and people are welcome to wear masks if they choose.

Edmonds said that, in years past, the event has brought in 300 people and that's the figure she's planning for this year. She said aside from the backpacks and school supplies, which the Salvation Army takes care of, $2,000 to $2,500 needs to be raised every year for the event.

She said they always have more than enough shoes, but sometimes people can't get haircuts because not enough beauticians are available.

Edmonds she said she had the idea for the bash about 2011 or 2012 during her time as a paraprofessional after witnessing students coming to school wearing a sibling's shoes that didn't fit correctly or without shoes and a haircut because of the expense.

"Just thinking back of my past, you know, when I was little, I remember my mom taking me to the store to buy that new outfit for school, you know, and it kind of made me sad to think that kids don't have that opportunity. So that's kind of where this all started from," Edmonds said.