SHELBY – Harold Wayman wanted to do something different at a back-to-school event for local children.
Wayman, executive director of the Richland Outreach Center, decided to create a day around distributing free hygiene products to students in Richland County.
“We thought parents would take care of their children’s school supplies, so we thought we would take care of hygiene as well,” he said.
On Saturday, more than 250 hygiene bags – including everything from shampoo to dental floss to deodorant – were offered to attendees of ROC’s first-ever Back to School Bash, held at the Shelby Dream Center.
The free, two-hour event also included haircuts, bouncy castles, games, a plunge pool and food.
Members of the Shelby Fire Department brought a fire truck and ambulance for the children to play with and ask questions. Third Street Family Health Services had an information booth, and Sweet Bubble and Bean offered a variety of coffee and cold beverages.
From 9 p.m., visitors were also offered a screening of “Kung Fu Panda 4.”
“This is our very first event (Back to School Bash) and I think the turnout has been good so far,” Wayman said Saturday afternoon.
Gallery: Richland Outreach Center’s first Back to School Bash
(Below are photos taken Saturday in Shelby during Richland Outreach Center’s first-ever Back to School Bash.)
Wayman gets used to his position as managing director
The ROC was founded in 2015 by Tara Klebowski, who passed the baton to Wayman in July.
Wayman said he is doing well after nearly a month in his new role, but is still getting used to the work that comes with the position.
“It’s a lot of work when you take over something,” says the managing director. “My day generally starts at 7 a.m. and some evenings don’t end until 11 p.m. or midnight.”
“It’s a lot of work, but it’s also a lot of fun.”
Klebowski said previously Richland Spring that ROC helps more than 3,500 people each year, with a focus on children.
The Shelby and Mansfield ROC locations are accepting applications from new volunteers who may choose to work at one or both locations and undergo a screening process.
If you have any questions, you can contact Wayman at [email protected] or call 419-565-0903. The Richland Outreach Center is also on Facebook.
