Rochester families who receive government assistance can sign up their school-aged children for free backpacks, clothing, school supplies, and hygiene packs at the annual Blast Off 2 School event on Saturday, August 15.
The giveaway runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road in Rochester. Registration closes Monday, August 3, and families can sign up at www.ranh.org/events.
What families need to know:
- Who qualifies: School-aged children whose families receive government assistance. Specific qualifying programs are listed on the event flyer at ranh.org/events.
- Registration deadline: Monday, August 3
- Event date: Saturday, August 15, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Location: St. Paul's United Methodist Church, 620 Romeo Road, Rochester, MI 48307
- What's provided: Backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene packs
Neighborhood House, the Rochester-area nonprofit behind the annual program, is hosting the event in partnership with the Assistance League of Southeast Michigan. MSU Federal Credit Union is the presenting sponsor.
The timing gives qualifying families nine days to get their children outfitted before Rochester Community Schools' first day of class on Monday, August 24, a half day for all students in transitional kindergarten through 12th grade.
Supply shortage reported
As of a July 13 Instagram post, Neighborhood House had collected only about 20 percent of the supplies needed for this year's program. The nonprofit asked for donations of new backpacks, notebooks, binders, and pencils by Friday, August 7.
Donors can shop the organization's wish list at go.ranh.org/bo2s-wishlist or drop off new supplies at Neighborhood House, any participating MSU Federal Credit Union branch, or other community drop-off locations listed on the nonprofit's website.
Rochester Community Schools promoted the event to district families, describing it as an annual program serving those who qualify for government assistance.
Community members who want to donate supplies have until Friday, August 7, to contribute through the wish list or at drop-off locations before volunteers begin packing items for distribution.
