Upcoming back-to-school events in Madison County

Jul. 22—Sierra Marling

The start of the school year is fast approaching and local churches and community organizations are hosting various events in order for families to get vital school supplies and enjoy some of the final rays of the fleeting summer sunshine.

According to Michael Harrington of the Madison County Tenants Union, the organization is planning to host a back-to-school event to promote camaraderie and equity in the community.

"One of the most important things that we can do is get to know our neighbors," he said. "If we want to build the kind of neighborhoods we want to see — that begins with getting to know each other."

According to DataUSA, nearly 20% of Madison County children live in poverty, with the 2022 data being part of a long-term trend of nearly a quarter of local children living in poverty. What's more, the median household income is $51,649, which can make managing household expenses difficult.

This is a point also shared by Harrington, who explained the significance of "back-to-school" for those who need these resources.

"'Back-to-school' is a really important time," he explained. "We have kids in our neighborhoods that are worried about where they're going to sleep at night. You can't get an education if you're worried about where you're going to sleep at night. So, we need everybody to be aware of that. If we want to have good education and good quality schools, it means our students have to be taken care of."

Below is a list of back-to-school resources with supplies, haircuts, and clothing that will aid local children throughout the school year.

Richmond

Back to School Bash

July 29, 2023

6 p.m. — 8 p.m.

Location: 217 N Estill Ave, Richmond, KY 40475

Hosted by: The Anchor UPC

Free Backpacks, school supplies, food, fun, activities and more

Back to School Blessing Day

July 30, 2023

10:45 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Located at: Lexington Road Ministries, 2336 Lexington Road, Richmond, KY 40475

Hosted by: Lexington Road Ministries

Free backpacks, school supplies, clothing, food, and more

Snooty Fox Salon Back 2 School Celebration

August 6, 2023

10 a.m. — 3 p.m.

Located at: 312 Jason Drive, Suite 12, Richmond, KY 40475

Hosted by: Snooty Fox Salon

Offering haircuts: Kids Cut $10, Adult $15

Bounce house, face paint live Dj, Free hot dogs, supply drive

Vendors: Cotton blossom, Cotton candy, Kona Ice

Boho Beauty Salon & Spa

Free cuts for kids

August 7, 2023

1 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Located at: 509 Leighway Dr Richmond, KY 40475

Free haircuts for kids Grades K — 12 , Hair Tinsel $5, Paraffin Wax Dip $5, Brow Wax & Tint $12, Full Set Hybrid Lash Extensions $90

Back-to-school-Bash

August 10, 2023

3 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Located at: Irvine-McDowell Park

Hosted by: Richmond Teen Center, Inc. and Richmond Parks & Recreation

We will be giving out backpacks filled with school supplies, free food, inflatables, community booths, free resources for families, music & more. a Spray & Play with the City of Richmond Fire Department from 3 pm-4 pm, so bring your bathing suits

Back 2 School Block Party — Every Student deserves a Home

August 12, 2023

12 p.m.

Dillingham Park

Madison County Tenants union

There will be free food. Please bring a potluck dish if you wish. We will also have fun activities for kids! and obviously a Saturday in the park with your neighbors is a great way to come together and get to know each other!

Berea

Back to School Bash

August 6, 2023

5 p.m. — 7 p.m.

Located at: WestSide Baptist Church, Berea, KY 40403

Hosted by: WestSide Baptist Church

Come out for a fun evening. We will have food, games, an inflatable, and free school supplies for any student present (until supplies run out).

Back-to-School Family Fun Night

August 11, 2023

7 p.m. — 6 p.m.

Located at: Renfro's Collision

Hosted by: Dad's Flooring, Heather Kerns Haddix, Katelyn Coleman Franklin, Heather Federer

Screening of the beloved game: Super Mario Party, fun games and activities for kids of all ages, food and refreshments, raffle with prizes, live entertainment and music. For any inquiries and RSVP, contact Dad's Flooring at 859-756-3520.