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Guests enjoy the 2022 Back to School Bash event.
Photo by Jessica Nohealapa'ahi
July 3, 2023
Samaritans and BISD host Back to School Bash
By Vicki L. George
The Bandera Prophet
Summer has barely begun, but the Hill Country Samaritans and the Bandera Independent School District will host their fifth annual Back to School Bash, to be held on Saturday, July 29 in the Lakehills Community Center, located at 11225 PR 37.
The event will run from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., and is free to attend. In fact, everything provided for the school kids is free. The Samaritans will provide backpacks and school supplies for school age children. The youngsters must be present to receive their supplies and services. The kiddos may be in public school, private school or homeschooled, from Pre-K through grade 12.
In addition, vendor space is free as long as each has something to hand out to visitors. In years past, the number of vendors has increased annually and this year about 30 vendors can be found all over the grounds. They represent many local services available to families.
Inside the building there are several things for the school kids, such as haircuts and school physicals. Vision screening will be provided, although without prescriptions or glasses. The BISD representatives will be there to register students and provide school services, such as lunches and transportation.
School immunizations will be provided for the kids; they must bring their vaccine cards and their insurance cards. If youngsters do not have insurance or if they are on Medicaid, they can get assistance by calling Kim for eligibility questions, at 830-796-6169.
Bottled water will be freely available for all who request it.
On the grounds of the Center, the kiddos will find crafts, games and activities, a petting zoo, food and music. There will be different prize drawings.
Shuttle parking will be available and it is also free.
The Hill Country Samaritans began in 2018 with prayer and a purpose, “Loving Christ and serving others.” The original goal was to provide for the kiddos and the first Back to School Bash, co-sponsored by the BISD, was held in 2019.
From there, the Samaritans have expanded their outreach to include a 5K Fun Run, which is the principal fundraiser for the organization, held in October each year. They also sponsor the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which is free to all, so that no one has to eat alone. In addition, the group sponsors the Walk Through Bethlehem every December, always free and held in the Lakehills Community Center; Community Christmas Choirs, Toy Drive, and Graduation Gifts to all graduating seniors every year in Bandera County.
For more information, contact Hill Country Samaritans at hillcountrysamaritans.org or contact the school at banderaisd.net. Both can be followed on Facebook.
The event will run from 4:30 - 7:30 p.m., and is free to attend. In fact, everything provided for the school kids is free. The Samaritans will provide backpacks and school supplies for school age children. The youngsters must be present to receive their supplies and services. The kiddos may be in public school, private school or homeschooled, from Pre-K through grade 12.
In addition, vendor space is free as long as each has something to hand out to visitors. In years past, the number of vendors has increased annually and this year about 30 vendors can be found all over the grounds. They represent many local services available to families.
Inside the building there are several things for the school kids, such as haircuts and school physicals. Vision screening will be provided, although without prescriptions or glasses. The BISD representatives will be there to register students and provide school services, such as lunches and transportation.
School immunizations will be provided for the kids; they must bring their vaccine cards and their insurance cards. If youngsters do not have insurance or if they are on Medicaid, they can get assistance by calling Kim for eligibility questions, at 830-796-6169.
Bottled water will be freely available for all who request it.
On the grounds of the Center, the kiddos will find crafts, games and activities, a petting zoo, food and music. There will be different prize drawings.
Shuttle parking will be available and it is also free.
The Hill Country Samaritans began in 2018 with prayer and a purpose, “Loving Christ and serving others.” The original goal was to provide for the kiddos and the first Back to School Bash, co-sponsored by the BISD, was held in 2019.
From there, the Samaritans have expanded their outreach to include a 5K Fun Run, which is the principal fundraiser for the organization, held in October each year. They also sponsor the annual Thanksgiving Dinner, which is free to all, so that no one has to eat alone. In addition, the group sponsors the Walk Through Bethlehem every December, always free and held in the Lakehills Community Center; Community Christmas Choirs, Toy Drive, and Graduation Gifts to all graduating seniors every year in Bandera County.
For more information, contact Hill Country Samaritans at hillcountrysamaritans.org or contact the school at banderaisd.net. Both can be followed on Facebook.