Back 2 School Giveaway draws host of students, parents - East Idaho News
Pocatello

Back 2 School Giveaway draws host of students, parents

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CHUBBUCK — The 10th annual Back 2 School Giveaway at the Gate City Christian Church on West Siphon Road Saturday in Chubbuck drew about 1,400 students and about 4,000 people overall including parents.

Pastor John Robinson said the annual event is aimed at taking the pressure off local families who struggle to provide children with the supplies that they need to return to school in August.

Robinson said donations for school supplies comes from 80 local businesses. The church gave away about $12,000 in school supplies, which included backpacks, notebooks and other items listed on students’ back to school lists.

The Idaho Foodbank was also on hand and families in need were also provided a food box.

Robinson said the Pocatello/Chubbuck School District reported that buying annual school supplies was a burden for many families and that’s when the Gate City Christian Church got involved.

He said that local churches, businesses and members of the community donated to the annual giveaway.

Robinson said that all recipients needed to do was show up to get assistance with school supplies.

Josh Robinson, the event director, said the line for school supplies was backed all the way to Yellowstone Avenue.

Josh said the children were able to pick out their own backpacks and then fill them with school supplies.

“None of this feels like a giveaway,” he said. “Kids get to pick their own things.”

Major sponsors for the annual event includes Big Lots, McDonald’s and Smith’s.

Josh said the aim of the event was to provide school supplies to families in need.

Along with notebooks, crayons, wet wipes and tissue, the Back 2 School Giveaway also included new and used clothing.

Chubbuck Mayor Kevin England said he was surprised by how many people were served Saturday.

“They have filled a need in the community,” England said.

Cassandra Gonzales said it was her second year as a recipient and her first as a volunteer during the annual school supply giveaway.

Gonzales came out with her two sons who are students at Ellis Elementary.

She saved about $120 at the Back 2 School Giveaway and she said that money will allow her to buy school clothes for her sons.

School supplies were not the only amenities offered Saturday. Students also received food, clothing, health evaluations, dental and vision checks, and immunization registration during the event Saturday.

Romelia Martinez came out with her three grandchildren and said the school supplies that her three grandchildren received totaled about $175.

“As soon as they got their backpacks, they were happy,” Martinez said.

The event also includes face painting, inflatable toys and raffle prizes.

Josh said the need for assistance has remained in the past decade.

“The number have remained about the same,” Robinson said. “But it does take the burden off families that struggle.”

This article was originally published in the Idaho State Journal. It is used here with permission.

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