JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-FORT SAM HOUSTON, Texas –
Children and families can get ready for the start of the school year by getting free school supplies and enjoying free beverages, activities and music at the Back to School Bash from 9 to 11 a.m. Aug. 3 at the W. Ed Parker Youth Center, building 1630, at Joint Base San Antonio-Fort Sam Houston.
The event is open to children of service members, military retirees, government civilians and Department of Defense ID cardholders and is organized by JBSA Community Programs.
“It’s really a fun event for children and families to gear up and get ready to go back to school,” said Katy Taylor, JBSA Community Programs and Partnership specialist. “It is a way for us to give back to our community and a way for us to provide scholastic provisions for families.”
Schoolchildren in grades kindergarten through eighth will be eligible to receive free school supplies from JBSA Community Programs. The school supplies will be given out on a first-come, first-served basis. Children of contractors are not eligible.
Water will be provided for event attendees. Starbucks is donating free tea and coffee and free sandwiches will be provided by Jimmy John’s. Two food trucks will be on site to provide frozen treats for purchase, ranging from $2 to $10.
Taylor said the school supplies that will be given out at the event are donated from various JBSA organizations and units, including the USO, JBSA Military & Family Readiness Centers, the JBSA Child and Youth Services School Liaison Office, JBSA Fire Emergency Services and the JBSA Safety Office.
She said the school supplies that will be handed out to the children are from the required supply lists of several area school districts provided to JBSA Community Programs. Children and parents are asked to bring a bag to pick up and collect school supplies they need.
Parents can pick up school supplies for children who will not be present by presenting their child’s Department of Defense ID card, a report card or a school registration form for the upcoming school year.
Activities at the Back to School Bash include an appearance from the San Antonio Spurs Coyote, a display by LEGOLAND Discovery Center San Antonio, inflatable jump houses, a dunking booth and music provided by a DJ.
In addition, reusable grocery bags will be provided by Natural Grocers.
Because of the heat that will be expected at the event, Taylor said attendees should bring water and wear comfortable clothes as they wait in line to collect the school supplies.
The Back to School Bash has been held for the last 10 years. During last year’s event, 800 attendees, including children and parents, received free school supplies.
JBSA Community Programs is still accepting donations for school supplies for the Back to School Bash. JBSA organizations, units or individuals who want to donate school supplies can contact JBSA Community Programs at 210-652-5763.