8th Annual Back to School Bonanza

The Livingston County Children’s Wellness Committee will host the 8th Annual Back to School Bonanza on Tuesday, July 26th from 3:30-6:00 p.m. at the North Gym of the Grand River YMCA.  The event is designed to empower parents and kids to learn to make healthy lifestyle choices in the areas of nutrition, physical activity, safety and overall wellness.   All Livingston County students in grades K-5 who register for the event will receive a backpack with free school supplies donated by local business and organizations after visiting all of the booths.

“We’re excited that this is the eighth year we have been able to offer this great opportunity for the kids in Livingston County,” said Jessica Trussell, University of Missouri Extension. “Each year we are able to pass out more supplies and help more families than the year before.” Due to the success of the program, families must register for the event online, or submit a paper application, in order to receive the free backpack and school supplies. Online applications can be found at Back to School Bonanza Registration.  Paper applications are available at the MU Extension Office, Livingston County Health Center and the Salvation Army.  Applications are due on Monday, July 11th. 

Many local organizations will have booths at the event, including the Livingston County 4-H; Shoes from the Heart and local law enforcement and fire departments.  If you would like to participate in Shoes From The Heart and receive a FREE pair of tennis shoes for your child, please be sure to enter their gender and shoe size on the application so the shoes can be available the day of the Back To School Bonanza.   If shoes are needed for children in grades 6-12, please contact First Baptist Church at office@fbchilli.com or call 646.2834.

Donations of school supplies or monetary donations to purchase supplies are still being accepted.  Anyone interested in donating may call Jessica Trussell at 646-0811 or mail their donation to the University of Missouri Extension Office at 2881 Grand Dr., Suite 2 in Chillicothe. Checks should be made payable to MU Extension.

Students in Livingston County who are entering Kindergarten through fifth grade and their parents are encouraged to attend this fun event, there is no fee for admission and everyone is welcome.