BENNINGTON — With the college 12 months simply across the nook, the eighth Annual Back to School: Backpack Giveaway Challenge and National Night Out returns Tuesday, August 5 from 4 to 7 p.m. at Lower Willow Park, bringing collectively a powerful lineup of family-friendly programming, native companies, and devoted volunteers to serve space college students and households.
What started as a small effort to assist college students begin the 12 months with backpacks and provides has reworked right into a full-scale group celebration. Powered by the help of greater than two dozen sponsors, organizations, and volunteers, the occasion gives not simply necessities, however pleasure, connection, and creativity.
“We’ve always believed that when the community comes together, we can build something bigger than ourselves,” stated Susan Plaisance, Sales Director for the Bennington Banner. “This event is a reflection of that grassroots spirit, every popcorn bag, every backpack, every smiling kid is made possible by our sponsors and partners.”
Program Highlights
This 12 months’s programming consists of artwork stations, out of doors video games, dwell demonstrations, and free snacks for the entire household:
Popcorn, sizzling canines, and popsicles offered by the Bennington Police Department, which additionally lead National Night Out actions;
Cotton sweet from Green Mountain Concessions;
Bouncy home sponsored by Gamers Grotto;
Art actions, together with rock portray with Heritage Family Credit Union, barn quilt portray with Better Bennington Corporation, and coloring with Mission City Church;
Outdoor video games run by the Bennington YMCA; and
Hair braiding by Sheelah’s Mobile Braiding.
Behind the scenes, the Bennington Banner’s promoting division coordinates provide donations and backpack stuffing with the assistance of quite a few companies and companies all through Bennington County.
A Tradition of Support
Special recognition goes to Fina Auto Mall, previously Bennington Auto Mall, for serving as presenting sponsor for all eight years of the occasion.
“As a local dealership, we understand the importance of investing in our youth and their futures,” stated Brad Croft, Executive Manager of Fina Auto Mall. “We’ve proudly supported this event since day one, and we’re committed to seeing it grow and thrive under our new name and local leadership.”
Event sponsors embody Mission Care of Bennington, MSK Engineers, Heritage Family Credit Union, Southwest Tech, VNA & Hospice of the Southwest Region, and Southwestern Vermont Medical Center.
Community supporters and collaborators embody Bennington Walmart, Bennington Rescue, Bennington Fire Department, Vermont National Guard, Peckham Motor Sports, Abbey Food Group, United Counseling Services, Staples Bennington, The Collaborative, Better Bennington Corporation, Sunrise Family Resource Center, ACT, CAT-TV, Burger King Bennington, Warm the Children, Mission City Church, Catamount BMX, Darren Sharp Chimney Sweep, and extra.
“This is a community-led event in every sense,” stated Paul Doucette, Chief of the Bennington Police Department. “Whether you’re helping organize games, cook food, or stuffing backpacks, it’s all about building relationships and showing up for our community.”
The occasion is free and open to the general public. Supplies are first come, first served, and oldsters or a guardian should be current.