Tioga County, N.Y.— You may have noticed the sun is setting just a bit earlier these days. While children are trying to hold on to the last moments of summer, retail stores across the Twin Tiers are bringing out crayons, folders, pencils, and backpacks. It is time to think about heading back to school and with that, picking up needed school supplies for the year. But with the current state of the economy, some families may find this puts additional stress on an already stretched thin budget.
Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga (CCTT) and the Tioga County Boys & Girls Club are stepping up to make sure students have everything they will need for the new school year while providing an afternoon of fun. Both organizations are teaming up to host a Back-to-School Block Party for everyone in the community to enjoy from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., Monday, August 15, on the Catholic Charities campus at 139 Roki Boulevard in Nichols, N.Y.
This year’s event will include a handful of giveaways and activities for all in attendance. School-aged children will receive a free backpack with some necessary school supplies and a free haircut so students can look their best for the first day of class. Free hotdogs and hamburgers will also be available for anyone in attendance, along with crafts, face painting, and other fun activities to enjoy. The Tioga County Sheriff’s Department will also be on hand to provide Operation Safe Child IDs. Several representatives from a variety of local organizations will also be present with family and child related information and resources.
“Given the state of the economy across the country, times can be tough for some here in our community. If we can take some little stresses off the table by making sure students are ready for the first day of school, then that’s what we want to do,” says CCTT Executive Director Renee Spears.
The mission of CCTT is to support all people in need and advocate for social justice and human dignity in partnership with the Diocese of Rochester and the greater community. CCTT works in partnership with local human service agencies, community coalitions, local faith communities and interfaith groups, addressing gaps in service in a collaborative fashion, to respond to urgent needs of individuals, families, and the community. CCTT has a history of helping all those in need with great empathy and compassion.
