A Cape Coral church is hosting a back-to-school bash next week to provide students in need with school supplies.
Ministerio Un Paso de Fé is hosting the event Aug. 15 at Faith Assembly of God, 6950 Bayshore Road, North Fort Myers.
Event coordinator Elizabeth Feliciano said the event has helped the community for the last four years.
“The purpose of the event is to give away backpacks, free haircuts and school supplies to families in the community,” she said.
Members of the church and other local organizations give donations throughout the year that are collected and given out to children during the event.
“This year we have purchased 150 backpacks and still have 200 bags of supplies,” Feliciano said.
Last year’s event drew 500 families to get a backpack and shopping bag full of school supplies.
Feliciano said organizers are not sure how many will turn out this year, but they hope the crowds stay the same.
“We are still expecting to have a huge turnout and want to get the word out if there are any families that need a backpack of school supplies,” she said. “The supplies are first-come, first-serve.”
The church also teams up with Lee Memorial Health System to fit children with bicycle helmets, and the Cape Coral Police Department to offer fingerprinting services.
Feliciano is anticipating the arrival of a rollover vehicle to highlight the importance of wearing a seat belt.
Other forms of entertainment include bounce houses, a “kiddy” pit, rock climbing walls, dunk tank and free cotton candy or snow cones for the children. Families also get free hot dogs, a drink and chips.
Three Cape barbers are donating their time to give free haircuts from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. for any child who needs one before schools starts Aug. 24.