Free backpacks, socks, groceries at annual SPS event

With the help of longtime partners, Springfield Public Schools will host a free annual event to help families get ready for the first day of class.

The Back to School Bash, started five years ago, will be 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 25, at the Springfield Expo Center, 635 E. St. Louis St.

Jessica Blake, coordinator of community relations, said the district will still utilize the upper and lower levels of the center, but the layout was altered.

“The biggest change this year is the flow that we have to help our guests get through all of our resource lines a little bit more efficiently,” she said in an interview.

Blake noted families often line up early and wait times vary.

“We’ll be queuing the lines to bring in folks off the sidewalk to get in a little bit quicker and to be more comfortable in the air conditioning space.”

Families enter on the upper level and will be able to access hygiene kits from Care to Learn, a partner since the first year.

“The SPS Back to School Bash is an incredible resource for Springfield Public Schools students and families, and we're grateful to play a part in helping children start the school year with confidence,” said Andrea Harp, vice president of marketing and communications for the nonprofit.

“At the end of the day, every child deserves access to the essentials they need to succeed, including basic hygiene items. These are critical necessities that help so many students show up ready to learn.”

CoxHealth will be set up in a private area nearby to provide the physicals required for participation in athletic and extracurricular activities.

Blake said this year, immunizations will not be available on-site because CoxHealth is using its CARE Mobile to visit sites this summer and fall to assist families.

Parents can enroll students, apply for free and reduced price school meals, and pick up free socks.

On the lower level, there will be free backpacks, prizes, entertainment, a hiring fair and a box of groceries from Convoy of Hope. Lunch will be provided, and a resource fair will be set up for parents to access programs and services available in the district and the community.

Blake said representatives from SPS departments will be available to provide details and answer questions.

“Families can connect with SPS for transportation, for any of our special services,” she said.

Nearly 6,000 people were at the event last year, and Blake said the district is planning for a similar crowd this time. About 200 volunteers are needed.

“We need all hands on deck to help us make it a smooth event and make sure all of our attendees feel welcome and feel like they have the support they need to get through the full expo experience,” she said.

SPS plans to have 4,000 free backpacks available. Each one will be stuffed with school supplies.

“It’s our kickoff to the new year to help provide a place for families to come and not only get resources to set their students up for success but also to connect with our community and to have fun,” Blake said.

Blake said it’s possible for a family to go through the entire space in less than an hour, but many opt to stay, eat and play in the fun zone.

Superintendent Grenita Lathan said, in a statement, “We want families to come, enjoy themselves and have the opportunity to access resources that will help them be ready for the first day of school.”

The first day of school is Aug. 25.

Sponsors include Guaranty Bank, Mediacom, Missouri State University and St. Louis Children’s at CoxHealth. Crosslines of Springfield provides logistical support ahead of time, and many nonprofits and businesses are involved.

“Our partners are so important to this event,” Blake said. “We could not do this event without all of them that come alongside us.”