Free Back-to-School Event in Van Buren County — Shoes, Backpacks & Activities for Kids K-12 🎒

As summer winds down and families across Sequatchie Valley begin thinking about the new school year, Bon Air Mountain Community Church is stepping in to ease the financial burden of back-to-school shopping for local families. The free event reflects a broader community commitment to ensuring every child in the region starts the school year ready to learn.

On July 18th from 10 a.m. to noon, Bon Air Mountain Community Church at 6389 Crossville Highway will host a back-to-school giveaway designed to support kids in kindergarten through 12th grade. 📅 Everything is free, and organizers emphasize that everyone is welcome while supplies last.

✨ What Kids Will Receive

Every child who attends will have the opportunity to receive a new pair of shoes (one pair per child, though sizes are limited) and a backpack filled with school supplies. 👟 To get a backpack and shoes, kids must be present at the event and complete games set up at the pavilion. Clothing will also be available at an open pavilion.

🎉 Activities & Entertainment

The event is designed to be fun as well as practical. Kids can enjoy barrel train rides, face painting, and balloon animals throughout the morning. 🎨 Local volunteers Stacy Reppert and Ashley Christian will offer free haircuts, adding another practical service to help families prepare for the school year. Free food will be served while supplies last.

📍 Where & When

Bon Air Mountain Community Church
6389 Crossville Highway
Saturday, July 18th, 10 a.m. to noon ⏰

💡 Why This Matters

Back-to-school costs can strain family budgets, especially for households managing multiple children or limited resources. New shoes, backpacks, and supplies add up quickly. By offering these essentials for free, the church removes a significant barrier for local families and helps ensure that every child in Van Buren County can start the school year with confidence and the tools they need to succeed. 💪

❤️ Community Connections

This event reflects the kind of grassroots support that strengthens Sequatchie Valley communities. Bon Air Mountain Community Church is mobilizing volunteers and resources to meet a real local need. The involvement of named volunteers like Stacy Reppert and Ashley Christian shows how individual community members are stepping up to help their neighbors. These connections—between the church, volunteers, families, and local kids—are the threads that hold communities together during transitions like the start of a new school year.

🤔 Questions Worth Thinking About

As you consider attending or sharing this opportunity with a neighbor, you might ask: How many local families struggle with back-to-school costs each year? What other barriers do kids in our valley face as they prepare for school? How can community members continue supporting families throughout the school year, not just at the start? What other needs might a similar community effort address?

If your family could use help with back-to-school supplies, or if you know a neighbor who could benefit, mark your calendar for July 18th at 10 a.m. 📌 Bring the kids, enjoy the activities, and take advantage of free shoes, backpacks, and supplies. If you’re able to volunteer or want to learn more, reach out to Bon Air Mountain Community Church. Every family in Van Buren County is welcome.