CANHelp’s Back to School Bash was a huge success! There were over a thousand people in attendance.
Shanna Martin met up with KSST to talk about the event. “It’s been crazy but good! For our first year, we think it’s a hit! We are very happy with the turnout and we want to make this a tradition.” Martin said her favorite part was “seeing the place filled up! It’s a testament to the community, we didn’t know what to expect.”
Martin said she knew it would be good when “there was a line of 50 people waiting before we opened.”
In response to why she does what she does, Martin said “I like to help people, kids especially and when they have all the tools they need to do better in a learning environment [that’s when they really thrive]. It’s also what God calls us to do.”
There were all sorts of community members out with booths from Churches, Healthcare Agencies, Insurance Agencies, Girl Scouts, Banks, First Responders, and more!
Great Clips hairstylists had a long line for kids eager to recieve fresh back to school hair cuts. Christus Mother Frances representatives and Abacus Home Health representatives were offering blood pressure tests and giving out information about good health…as they offered candy to the kids. The Lions Club was offering free vision screenings.
Ragan Dennis with the Safe-T Crisis Center was giving out information and helping bring awareness to the cause. “A lot of people still don’t know were out here.” The Safe-T Crisis Center is a place of help for survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Shannon Almand with UnitedHealthcare offered pencil bags with school supplies in them to kids, and talked to parents about medicaid options, and health plans. Their newest plans are Starplex and Starplus medicaid options that allows them to “help more people.” Almand also helped educate families about benefits of being healthy.
The Oral Health Program from Tyler, Texas helped educate families on the importance of dental hygiene and good habits. They had teeth molds and a diorama to show kids possible outcomes if they smoke or don’t brush their teeth. They also explained the importance of fluoride applications-which is to prevent cavities and tooth decay.
Texas State Technical College provided several education options for parents and older students thinking about improving their future.
First Convenience Bank’s Vanessa Alexander and C.J. Davidson gave out school supplies to kids. C.J. Davidson is also an author who encourages victims of domestic violence to be survivors.
The Sulphur Springs Public Library handed out book bags and encouraged kids to visit the library where they can check out books or enjoy Story Time.
The Sulphur Springs Police Department printed KidPrint IDs-which are a recommended safety precaution. The cards have the child’s, name, picture, date of birth, address, and parent’s contact information. It’s best to renew Kidprint ID’s once a year.
TX DOT’s Safety Bob educated families about the importance of not texting and driving.
EMS showed kids their ambulance and stretcher, and the Firemen provided delicious hot-dogs and drinks!
One thing’s for sure, this is one event you don’t want to miss next year!
