Empowering Augusta's Youth: A Community Effort to Ensure Back-to-School Readiness

As the new school year approaches, the city of Augusta is rallying together to support families in need. With the rising costs of school supplies and the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, local organizations have stepped up to ensure that every child has the resources they need to succeed. From backpack distributions to literacy programs, this community-driven initiative is making a tangible difference in the lives of Augusta's students.

Bridging the Gap: Providing Essential Supplies and Resources

Backpacks and School Supplies: A Vital Lifeline

The start of a new school year can be a daunting time for families, especially those struggling to make ends meet. The cost of school supplies can quickly add up, often exceeding 0 per child, as Melissa King, a local parent, can attest. "Sometimes supplies can be over 150 bucks, just depending on the location that you go to, and the supplies requested by the teachers in the schools throughout the year," she said.To alleviate this burden, the annual Back to School at The Hub event, organized by RISE Augusta and the Smile for Shay Foundation, has become a vital resource for the community. This year's event saw well over 1,000 people in attendance, all eager to access the essential supplies and resources provided.

Literacy and After-School Programs: Empowering Students

Beyond just backpacks and school supplies, the event also offered a range of educational and community-based resources. Literacy booths, after-school programs, and free health screenings were all available, providing families with the tools they need to support their children's academic and personal growth.Betsy VanDeusen, from the AU Literacy Center, emphasized the importance of these community efforts, stating, "The rising cost of what parents and families have to purchase for school just continues to go up. Anything we can do to help them get them started. We are also committed to making sure we provide supplies throughout the year because we know they run out."

Honoring a Legacy: The Books for Shay Event

This year's Back to School at The Hub event also featured a special addition – the Books for Shay Event. Organized by the Smile for Shay Foundation, this initiative honors the memory of Shaylin Foster, a Grovetown High School student who tragically passed away in a car accident in 2018.Shaylin's passion for reading was the driving force behind this event, which aimed to provide families with free books to encourage literacy and a love of learning. The donated books were distributed throughout the day, ensuring that every child who attended left with a new literary treasure to explore.

A Community United: Showcasing the Power of Collaboration

The success of the Back to School at The Hub event is a testament to the power of community collaboration. By bringing together organizations like RISE Augusta and the Smile for Shay Foundation, the event was able to offer a comprehensive range of resources and support to families in need.Event organizers and volunteers were overwhelmed by the turnout, recognizing the real need for such community-driven initiatives in Augusta. "The event really showcases the real want and need for community support in Augusta," they noted.As the new school year begins, the impact of this collaborative effort will be felt by countless families, providing them with the tools and resources they need to ensure their children's academic and personal success. The Back to School at The Hub event is a shining example of how a community can come together to make a lasting difference in the lives of its young people.