Back To School outreaches from 2004

Thanks to everyone involved in the community wide effort of the “Hassle Free” Back to School Program. We were able to distribute 23,000 backpacks, most filled with school supplies, this summer. A special thanks to our host event sites: Legend’s Field, Largo Mall, Knology Field, Suncoast Ford and The Pointe Church. There were over 60 decisions for Christ. Hallelujah!

Together in 2004 businesses, churches, organizations, schools and individuals broke all previous distribution records. Over 23,000 backpacks filled with supplies were spread throughout the 5 county Greater Tampa Bay area. May had outreaches to their immediate neighborhoods, The’ Hassle Free" back to school program spawned four major outreaches in the community. Back to School Festival Extravaganzas were held at Grant Field, Dunedin, Home of the Dunedin Blue Jays; Legend’s Field, Tampa, home of the New York Yankees, Suncoast Ford in Pasco County and the Largo Mall . At these events children and families received a day of fun and their backpacks filled with school supplies. All volunteers and attendees at the ball field locations were invited to stay for the game after the distribution. All festival locations had music, drama, games, and free services such as health screenings and haircuts.

Somebody Cares, Hernando director, Dennis Gomas, distributed 1,500 backpacks with supplies at their event in Brooksville. Over 4, 000 attended. This event brought many churches, businesses and organizations together as well. It has become a marquee event in the community.

Thanks to Operation Blessing for their sponsorship as well as Suncoast Ford, A.G. Edwards, Entemann’s Bakery, Tampa Christian Supply, Bic Graphics, Target Stores, Dunedin Blue Jays, Tampa Yankees, Largo Mall, Regal Cinema – Largo, and all the various businesses and agencies that donated their services and supplies to the 2003 festivals.

We are looking forward to sending the distribution this year over the top. We have projected distribution this year, based on inquiries to our office, to exceed 20,000 backpacks filled with supplies for 2004.

Need to earn some community service hours, or just like volunteering and making a difference by caring for your community; all four Back to School Festival Extravaganzas will be promoted again in 2004. If you have a service, time or product you would like to donate please…… give us a call 727-536-2273.