Bryan County is ringing the school bell through the spirit of giving. On Saturday, Waterfront Church hosted the Richmond Hill Community Day Out, where families were given backpacks filled with school supplies for their kids.
Over a dozen organizations came together for the event so that families would be prepared for the new school year.
Chris Hasson, chairwoman of the board of Family Promise of Bryan County stated, “We are one of the sponsoring organizations of the Richmond Hill Community Day Out. Along with United Way and Bryan County Family Connections, we are all here together to make sure students are getting school supplies that maybe can’t afford them because it’s kind of an expensive push at the beginning of the school year.”
Last year, 150 backpacks were given out to students. This year they aimed to distribute 200 filled backpacks that were donated by community members and businesses.
Candice Fife, network director of Family Promise of Bryan County said, “Last year we did this at our house, our day center and it was too small, it was too congested. This year we did it here where we have more than enough space, so it’s just wonderful. I’m loving seeing the families and kids come out."
The extra space allowed families to enjoy face painting, a bouncy wet house inflatable, police and fire department demonstrations, music, food, and drinks for everyone to enjoy.
Mary Fuller, area director for United Way of the Coastal Empire added, “ I think it’s important for every child to be able to have new school supplies to bring in to school on the first day. To feel like they have something to offer and be successful so they start off on a good foot.”
Bryan County students begin school Thursday, and with this community effort, students were supplied with pencils, composition books, folders, and other items.
Adam Ricker, lead pastor of Waterfront Church Adam Ricker said, “There are a lot of great ministries and organizations that really are trying to build community here. Not just community for the sake of something to do but really community for the sake of creating unity for accomplishing greater good whether it’s here locally or in the greater Savannah region.”
Participating organizations included: Family Promise of Bryan County, Richmond Hill Police Department, Coastal Electric Membership Cooperation, Coastal Georgia Area Community Action Authority, Anderson Jewelers, Richmond Hill Fire Department, Ameris Bank, CJ Inflatables, United Way of the Coastal Empire, Southern Image, City of Richmond Hill, Coca-Cola, Smoking Pig, and McDonalds.
All photos by Hollie Barnidge.