Students in Grundy County are getting a “brighter” start to the school year as Bright Futures Trenton hosted a back to school event that featured backpacks, school supplies, clothing, hair cuts and other items needed to help begin the 2021-22 school year.
Photo Courtesy of Bright Futures Trenton
Bright Futures Trenton helped put a smile on little faces at the annual Grundy County Back to School Event. Volunteers from across the county came together to make this year’s event a success.
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The event was held Thursday, Aug. 12 at various locations around the county and saw 268 students in the Trenton R-9 School District receive backpacks and supplies along with 30 students from the Spickard R-2 District and 38 students from Grundy R-5. In addition, the Laredo R-7 School District purchased supplies and backpacks for all students as well as a Laredo Tigers t-shirt. A total of 37 of those students were able to pick up supplies on Aug. 12.
Like-new clothing, as well as new underwear and socks, were provided to 165 adults and students, while 196 students were the recipients of the 344 pairs of new shoes that were distributed. Recycled gym shoes, provided by students at the end of the 2020-21 school year, were distributed to 116 students. Forty-three students will go back to school looking stylish thanks to free haircuts that were given at the event and 225 adults and students received like-new Trenton Bulldog apparel. A total of 350 hygiene items such as shampoo and soap were distributed to 116 students.
The event came together after months of planning and over 420 volunteer hours were provided by community members on Aug. 12 alone, not to mention the hours put in planning, collecting items, setting up, etc. Businesses and local organizations also worked to make the event successful, with Trenton Cinema providing a free movie to 235 students. The business also gave away 290 free drinks, popcorn and candy. The Trenton Kiwanis Club/Trenton Hy-Vee cookout served 100 students and adults and 80 people attended the free swim party at the Trenton Family Aquatic Center, sponsored by Bright Futures Trenton.
Bright Futures Trenton co-coordinators Terri Critten and Lynn Griffin also recognized TMS art instructor Sheridan Mounce, who took pictures throughout the event; Jon Guthrie and the THS football players/FCA, who helped move resources and put up banners; KTTN radio, which donated free tickets to various events; and the churches and organizations that opened their doors for the event, which included First Christian Church, First Assembly of God Church, First Baptist Church, Rissler Elementary School, Grundy R-5 Elementary School at Humphreys, Laredo R-7 School, Spickard R-2 School, Trenton Cinema, Wesley United Methodist Church (storage), BTC Bank of Trenton (for allowing space for planning meetings) and the Trenton Park Department.
In addition to Mrs. Critten and Mrs. Griffin, members of the 2021-22 planning team who made sure this year’s event was a success, were Chris Hoffman, Dave Miller, Leslie Woodard, Taylor Ormsby, Kristi Harris, Cara McClellan, Christy Tolson, Chris Small, Marjorie Keuhn, Misty Foster, Adriane Todd, Terry Holtzclaw, Daniel Gott, Kara Helmandollar, Anna Muselman, Linda Crooks, Jon Guthrie, Amy Oberman, Trisha Sharp and Jennifer Dyer.
