Back To School Marketplace
The Back to School Marketplace was started in 2016, with two goals in mind: engage youth in serving our community and send students back to school with free clothing and backpacks. Now, the Back to School Marketplace continues to grow due to the ongoing need in our communities. With a growth mindset and big plans for the future the Back to School Marketplace became a 501C(3) registered nonprofit in 2023.
As we continue to grow the goals and mission of Back to School Marketplace remain the same:
- The community benefits by having a program that is committed to fulfilling the need of sending students back to school with free clothing and free backpacks, giving parents, foster parents, and guardians the freedom to spend their money in other areas such as food and utilities.
- The students benefit by going back to school with new/like new clothing and new backpacks, empowering them to feel confident about who they are and allowing them to focus on school and extra-curricular activities rather than worrying about having the necessary tools to succeed.
- The community benefits through multigenerational volunteerism that allows all involved organizations and members to contribute their unique gifts and abilities to ensure a successful event and further improved quality of life for members of the local community. Our volunteers gain an improved sense of worth and have the opportunity to learn from different generations and find a way to work together for the good of others.
Our annual event, held every August, strives to mimic a department store vibe and has grown from just offering clothing and backpacks to include free school photos and school supplies while also connecting visitors with community resources that have included free sports equipment, prayer, women and family centers, financial options, food banks and more. We also offer a fun carnival like experience with free games, food, bounce houses, prizes and free raffle drawings!
The GH Community Foundation, Timberland Bank, Children’s Place, JC Penney, Dairy Queen, Old Navy, GH Radio, Breakwater Seafood, and Special Memories Photography are just a few of our awesome partners and the list grows every year! Generous donors keep the program running and there is a way for anyone to be involved. Monetary donations are collected throughout the year and multiple fundraisers occur that take both volunteers and donations. With everyone’s help, the Back to School Marketplace will continue to grow and meet the needs of every student in the community and surrounding areas. Check out the Back to School Marketplace on Facebook by searching Back to School Marketplace.
Want to get involved or donate to our cause? Use this link (https://square.link/u/z4X6JQeS) or the QR codes below to make a tax deductible contribution anytime of the year. Have a tangible item to donate? Message us on Facebook or email us at [email protected].
Back to School Marketplace on facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071118831137
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