Back To School Bonanza Set

FARMINGTON — For the first time, the Farmington Back to School Bonanza will be open to students in all grades.

The eighth annual bonanza will be held Tuesday, Aug. 6, at Farmington United Methodist Church, 355 Southwinds Dr. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and families will be able to come inside and sit in the air-conditioned church while waiting.

Students in kindergarten through 12th grade are welcome to come to receive free athletic shoes and socks, backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, underwear, dental screenings and health products.

There also will be free kindergarten health physicals and information available on mental health resources, Habitat for Humanity and Washington County Headstart.

The event is open to children without regard to address, income level or school district. The child must be present to receive the goods.

Mary Jane Silva, a Farmington third grade teacher and member of the church, has coordinated the Back to School Bonanza all eight years.

Previously, the giveaway has served students through seventh grade but Silva said she wanted to offer it to older students this year as well.

“I’ve just seen siblings come in with younger kids and it breaks my heart not to have something for them, too,” Silva said.

Last year, the church served 161 families and 412 students.

This year, the church is prepared to serve more students. Silva said she is not sure how many to expect since older students will be able to come but she has 700 backpacks and countless pairs of shoes to give away.

A few other things are new this year. The church will offer vision screenings and the bonanza is benefiting from the Stuff the Bus campaign sponsored by United Way of Northwest Arkansas. Some of the school supplies will come from donations made to the campaign.

Silva said the bonanza affects her personally each year.

“I see children walk in the doors of the school with a new backpack and new shoes. There’s a smile on their face and a smile on my face too. It’s a way, I think, the Lord wants me to live out His plan. It’s a way to show you care.”

Silva said her “vision” is that one day, the whole community will be involved in the Back to School Bonanza.

For more information, contact the church at 267-3180.