With summer vacation coming to an end, parents and guardians will soon begin shopping for school supplies. For the second year, Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters is hosting a back-to-school event where youth will receive free haircuts, immunizations, school supplies, kids’ activities and more from 1-3 p.m. Sunday at the Midnight Garden.
“The need is there and people are struggling. Families in Iowa spend an average of $874 on essential items. However, not all families can afford that. We just wanted to make sure we were doing our small part for the community. We’re really lucky that there are so many organizations and community members willing to donate, participate and be present,” said coordinator Maria Gonzalez-Alvarez, who serves as a match support specialist at BBBS. “The people who did some of the back-to-school things last year weren’t able to do that this year, so we’re definitely getting a lot of calls and questions.”
At this drop-in event, participants will receive free haircuts, sports fitness assessments, school supplies and backpacks, community resources, personal care items, children’s activities, and health screenings and immunizations. There will also be a drawing for gift cards.
“The Marshall County Health Department will be on site with information on vaccines, free take-home COVID tests, free gun locks, free condoms and other health-related information and resources,” said Sydney Grewell, director of the Marshall County Health Department. “In addition, we will also be providing vaccines to those under the age of 18, provided they qualify. A limited number of vaccines will be available on a first-come, first-served basis.”
She added that the vaccines will be screened for eligibility and that those who want to get vaccinated should provide the relevant documentation. To qualify, you must meet one of these requirements:
1) Enrolled in Medicaid
2) Not insured
3) Native Americans or Alaska Natives
4) Underinsured
The following vaccinations are offered: Tdap, hepatitis B, hepatitis A, HPV, polio, MMR (measles-mumps-rubella), meningitis and varicella (chickenpox).
Gonzalez-Alvarez said that in addition to public health, representatives from various local nonprofits, the school district, businesses, police and Knock and Drop Iowa will be on site with additional resources.
Midnight Garden owner Luisa Ortega said she was pleased to donate her facility and grounds to the cause.
“I know how many people are struggling – even those we think of as middle class and able to afford it, but nobody really knows how many are going through it – so I thought the project was great and offered the use of the venue for it,” she said. “I think I’ve always been aware of the ongoing need and that things can change – even going back to school – which is a lot of pressure for some parents and some budgets.”
The campaign isn’t just meant to help people save money. New supplies and a new haircut can also boost a child’s self-esteem, Ortega says.
“I think it’s important that children return to school feeling good,” she said.
Donations continue to be accepted at Heart of Iowa Big Brothers Big Sisters – Marshalltown, 31 S. 1st Street. Mentors are always needed. For more information, contact BBBS at: 641-753-6370.
