As children get ready to get back into the swing of things for the 2018-19 school year, Wicomico County is hosting its Community Back-to-School Event. Families can take advantage of this free event, Fresh Start, to get their children prepared for the upcoming school year. Head over to the Wicomico Youth & Civic Center Aug. 26 from noon to 5 pm for this exciting event.

Backpacks, Haircuts, Hotdogs and Fun

Children in need who are entering Kindergarten and up will get a free backpack with numerous essential school supplies. Along with supplies for the school year, there will also be free haircuts, free hot dogs, and free, fun activities! The event will run on a first come, first serve basis.

Families will have the opportunity to learn about community programming, health and more. There will also be drawings for prizes!

“We are thrilled with the community support that is coming together to put on the first Fresh Start community back-to-school event at the Civic Center,” said James Simmons, recreation superintendent for Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism. “It is perfect timing for our community organizations to come together to make a deeper impact in the area by working together for the common goal of setting up our youth for success.”

Transportation

There will be transportation offered from eight different locations in Wicomico County. Children must be accompanied by an adult to ride the bus.

Shore Transit will be providing transportation on a constant loop to and from the Civic Center from Salisbury Middle School, North Salisbury Elementary School, Pemberton Elementary School and Pinehurst Elementary School. The first pickup at the school will be at 11:30 am and the last pickup from the Civic Center at 4:30 pm.

Wicomico County Board of Education contractors Robert and Vicki Smith will provide transportation to and from the Civic Center from Delmar Elementary School, Westside Intermediate School, Fruitland Intermediate School and Pittsville Elementary & Middle School. There will be two shifts from each of these schools. The first pickup will be at 11:30 am, with families returning at 1:30 pm. The second pickups will be 2 pm and 4 pm.

Sponsors

The event would not have been possible without the appreciated help of the following sponsors.

Extraordinary League of Gentlemen | Rotary Club of Salisbury | Salisbury Sunrise Rotary Club | Rotary Club of Wicomico County | Salisbury Optimist Club | Salisbury Jaycees | Salisbury Elks | Distinct Designs Barbershop | Deadstock | Peninsula Regional Medical Center | Donnie Williams Foundation | Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore | Wicomico County Board of Education | Wicomico Public Libraries | Wicomico County Health Department | Lions Clubs of Wicomico County | Wicomico County Friends of Recreation & Parks | Wicomico County Recreation, Parks & Tourism.

“Our goal in the first year is substantial – we plan to provide 4,000 backpacks with school supplies, haircuts, access to important community resources and so much more,” said Simmons. “This is truly an event for the community put on by the community.”