Grant lets WJCC Schools help families in need with supplies
More than 200 people from 57 families came out Thursday to James Blair Middle School to pick up school supplies, get medical checkups and take advantage of other community resources.
The back-to-school event was a first for Williamsburg-James City County Public Schools, which secured a three-year American Rescue Plan grant valued at $100,000 to start up its SPARK program to help families in need. This grant alone will fund SPARK for the next two summers.
SPARK is an acronym for Supporting Parents and Reaching Kids, and its goal is to provide help for WJCC families and kids in need. Thursday’s event, held from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., provided children and families with resources from organizations across the Williamsburg area.
“It’s a one-stop shop to get the things and information that families need from the community in order to aid them in having a successful return to school,” said WJCC Schools social worker Koren Virella.
Bob Keller, the lead social worker for WJCC Public Schools, couldn’t be happier with the event’s turnout.
“For me, it’s really exciting. It’s been great to see and reconnect with these families and reestablish our relationship with them to get ready for the school year,” Keller said.
SPARK brought a handful of organizations on board to help its cause, including Child Development Resources, FISH, Salvation Army, United Way, James City County’s Department of Social Services, Colonial Behavioral Health, WJCC’s School Health Initiative Program, House of Mercy, National Counseling Group, Bacon Street Youth and Family Services, Bright Beginnings Preschool Program, Chick-fil-A, James City Lions Club and Olde Town Medical Center.
Hairstylists and barbers also donated their time and services. Many kids left with free haircuts, school supplies, food and medical examinations.
“It’s important for families and students to walk away with everything they need. That way, they know they are ready for the school year,” Virella said.
With WJCC schools starting back Aug. 29, Virella is happy with the overwhelming support from the community.
“I’d like to thank all of our community partners for taking time to connect with these families and give them the resources they may need and to educate them on what resources are available in our community,” she said.
More school supplies available
Bacon Street Youth and Family Services will give out backpacks stuffed with school supplies for K-12 students at its Williamsburg and Gloucester offices from 2-6 p.m. on Aug. 18. The group plans to give out 100 backpacks at each location.
“Many families are facing greater financial strains now that assistance programs established during COVID have become more limited or have been eliminated,” said Crystal Booker, spokesperson for Bacon Street Youth and Family Services. “Inflation has further hurt families and made budgets stretch less than they traditionally have.”
Donations and monetary donations are being accepted to help with the school supply distribution. A wish list and drop off information is available at baconstreet.org/journey-home-project/backpack-drive/.
Able to donate?
Williamsburg Area Transit Authority is hosting a back-to-school supply drive on Aug. 15-16 with an incentive: if you donate, you get free bus rides for the entire day.
Donations ranging from crayons to reusable water bottles are accepted. All supplies must be packaged and new.
For people who want to donate but don’t ride the bus, items can be dropped off at the Williamsburg Transportation Center located at 468 N. Boundary St. or at WATA’s administrative office at 7239 Pocahontas Trail.
For more information, call 757-790-2506 or visit gowata.org.
Caitlyn Burchett contributed to this story.
Abbey Crank, abbey.crank@virginiamedia.com
