The third annual Bright Futures Trenton Back to School Event is scheduled for Thursday, Aug. 13, with officials announcing several changes being made in response to the COVID-19 pandemic as well as efforts to assist students in the small Grundy County school districts.
In the past, the event has focused on the needs of students served by the Trenton R-9 School District. However, because of struggles families may possibly be facing due to the pandemic, Bright Futures Trenton has reached out to the Laredo R-7, Spickard R-2, Pleasant View R-6 and Grundy R-5 school districts for participation in this year’s activities. All students who attend school in Grundy County and who need assistance through the goods and services offered at the event are invited to participate.
Bright Futures co-coordinator Terri Critten noted that while most past events will be held in some format again this year, the Grundy County Health Department will not be offering health screenings as well as sponsoring the pool party at the end of the day. There will also be no family cookout or snacks at the local movie theater.
What will occur includes events being held at Trenton Middle School, the First Baptist Church and Activity Center, First Assembly of God Church, the Rissler Elementary School gymnasium and the First Christian Church Activity Center. Individual schools (Laredo, Spickard, Pleasant View R-6 and Grundy R-5) will also be having individual activities.
Mrs. Critten said the Bright Futures Back to School planning team is working closely with the GCHD to plan a safe event.
“We have spread out events in an effort to avoid overcrowding,” she said. “We will limit the number of people inside each building and will provide for social distancing and traffic flow.”
All participants, students and parents are also being asked to wear masks to each event.
Events planned so far, along with the scheduled participation times, include (open to all schools unless specified):
Trenton R-9 Backpack and School Supply Distribution – Trenton Middle School gym, noon to 6 p.m.
Cub Scout “Gym Shoe Dash” (gently used gym shoes) and “Suds for Students” (hygiene items and laundry detergent) – First Assembly of God Activity Center, 4 to 7 p.m.
New Soles for Bright Futures New Shoe Distribution – Rissler Elementary School, 4 to 7 p.m.
Clothing for All Ages – First Baptist Church Activity Center, 4 to 7 p.m.
Back to School Haircuts – First Baptist Church, 4 to 7 p.m.
“Pass the Pride” Recycled Bulldog Apparel for Trenton R-9 Students – First Christian Church Activity Center, 4 to 7 p.m.
Backpack distribution and Tiger “Pass the Pride’” for Laredo R-7 students – Laredo R-7 gym, noon to 6 p.m.
Backpack and Supply Distribution for Spickard R-2 Students – Spickard R-2 gym, 5 to 6 p.m.
Mrs. Critten noted that these events take the support of the community through donations and volunteer efforts. Persons interested in becoming a “Champion for Kids” and participating in the event are invited to do any of the following:
• Drop off gently worn school apparel-t-shirts, sweatshirts, etc., in collection boxes at Hy-Vee and the new Dollar General Store on Main Street.
• Donate gently used gym shoes-collection bin in the lobby of the Trenton Police Department
• Donate clean, like-new clothing to the First Baptist Church – shoes, clothing for all ages, infant to adult. The church office is open 8 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., weekdays.
• Donate hygiene items (soap, body wash, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, lotion, toothbrush, toothpaste, hairbrushes, etc.) and laundry detergent at First Assembly of God Church. Office doors are located on the west side of the building. The collection bin is located in the foyer near the office, which is open from 9 a.m. to noon and 1 to 4 p.m., weekdays.
• Buy tenderloins from the Hodge Presbyterian Church fundraiser to purchase new shoes. The next tenderloin fry is scheduled for Saturday evening, July 18 at the church.
Individuals, businesses and organizations interested in helping with backpacks and supplies or making a monetary donation can contact:
For Trenton R-9: Lynn Griffin at 660-359-7785 or [email protected]; or mail monetary donations for Trenton R-9 supplies to Bright Futures Trenton, PO Box 593, Trenton, MO 64683.
For Laredo R-7: Robin Griswold or Misty Foster, 106 W Main St, Laredo, MO 64652, 660-286-2225 or [email protected].
For Spickard R-2: Terri Holtzclaw at 660-973-2232 or [email protected].
Persons wanting to volunteer to help at the Back to School event can contact Mrs. Critten at 660-663-7084 or at [email protected].
Updates about the event will also be included on the Bright Futures Trenton Facebook page.
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