For the third year in a row, the Back to School Bash was held to provide refugee families with school aged children an opportunity to pick out backpacks and grade appropriate school supplies. The Bash this year was on August 11th at First Presbyterian Church in Wichita. The event was organized by the members of First Presbyterian Church, Hindu Temple of Greater Wichita, Grace Presbyterian Church and Trinity Presbyterian Church.

“The first year, the supplies were all donated by our church members at First Presbyterian Church, or purchased with donated funds. Now we have many other church partnerships and community organizations who come together to organize this event. Everything we give away is donated or purchased with donations.” Said the event’s organizer, Stephanie Bird-Hutchison.

The idea to have a fundraiser to benefit school children came when Bird-Hutchison was enrolling students in USD 259. “Originally, we were going to collect supplies and take them to the refugee families at their homes. We decided instead to have the event at a central location, allowing the kids to experience selecting their own backpacks and school supplies. That experience would be more like what other kids get to do, and would hopefully promote a sense of ownership of the backpacks and supplies. We also felt this would give community members an opportunity to interact with members of the refugee community in a safe environment for all.” Said, Bird-Hutchison.

During the Bash, each child is paired with one of the event’s volunteers during their selection activity. “I love the excitement of the kids picking out their supplies, and watching so many people from different backgrounds talking and laughing together.” Bird-Hutchison, said.