Backpack Assistance Ministry Event in White County — Free School Supplies & Support on July 25th 🎒
As families across the Sequatchie Valley prepare for the back-to-school season, the Sparta/White County YMCA is stepping up to ensure students in White and Van Buren counties start the year equipped and supported. This year’s Backpack Assistance Ministry event carries special meaning, honoring the legacy of longtime coordinator Carleen Benson and continuing a mission that has served over 1,000 students annually since 2012.
🗓️ When & Where
The Backpack Assistance Ministry event will take place on Saturday, July 25th at 9 a.m. at the WCHS Football Field. 📍 Admission is completely free for school-aged students from White and Van Buren counties—no registration required.
🎁 What Students Will Receive
Every student who attends will walk away with a fully packed backpack stuffed with essential school supplies, plus Bibles, U.S. Constitution booklets, hygiene bags, food bags, and more. 🍎 The event also features refreshments like snow cones, making it a welcoming community gathering as well as a practical resource for families preparing for the new school year.
❤️ The Story Behind B.A.M.
The Backpack Assistance Ministry began in 2012 when the Union Baptist Association took over the program after grant funding to local school districts ended. For a decade, Carleen Benson coordinated the effort with passion and vision, eventually transitioning the program to the Sparta/White County YMCA. Carleen passed away suddenly in February 2025, but before she did, she recruited a team of young servant leaders to carry the mission forward—making Jesus known and serving youth in the community. 🙏
🤝 How You Can Help
The YMCA is actively recruiting volunteers and donors to make this year’s event a success. You can contribute by volunteering to pack backpacks on Friday, July 24th, volunteering at the event itself on Saturday morning, donating funds to the program, or collecting hygiene products. ✨ Every contribution helps ensure more students start the school year with confidence and care.
For more information and to get involved, visit spartawhitecountyymca.org/benson-s-backpack-assistance-ministry or contact the Sparta/White County YMCA directly. 💙
What to Know Before You Go
- Arrive early on Saturday, July 25th at 9 a.m. at the WCHS Football Field, as admission is free and no registration is required for school-aged students from White and Van Buren counties.
- Bring students to receive a fully packed backpack with school supplies, Bibles, hygiene bags, food bags, and other essentials to prepare for the new school year.
- Plan to enjoy refreshments like snow cones available at the event, making it a welcoming community gathering alongside the practical resource distribution.
- If you want to help, consider volunteering to pack backpacks on Friday, July 24th, volunteering at the event Saturday morning, or donating funds and hygiene products by visiting spartawhitecountyymca.org/benson-s-backpack-assistance-ministry
Source: Sparta/White County YMCA – Backpack Assistance Ministry event on July 25th at WCHS Football Field providing school supplies and support to students
Related Businesses
Sparta-White County Family YMCA
The YMCA is the primary organizer and host of the Backpack Assistance Ministry event on July 25th at WCHS Football Field.
Van Buren County Food Outreach
The event serves students from Van Buren County and includes food bags as part of the assistance provided to families.
Sequatchie County Fellowship of Churches and Food Bank
The Backpack Assistance Ministry originated through the Union Baptist Association and continues the mission of serving youth in the Sequatchie Valley community with essential support.
Southeast Tennessee Human Resource Agency
SETHRA is a social services organization serving Sequatchie County and White County families who are the target population for this back-to-school assistance event.
Sequatchie County Food Bank
The event provides food bags to students and families in the Sequatchie Valley, aligning with food assistance services for community members in need.
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