More than 1,500 backpacks will be given away during Cape Christian\u2019s upcoming Back-to-School Bash to help families in a practical way.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a lot of work, but such a joy,\u201d Cape Christian Outreach Pastor Marco Villalobos said. \u201cI get to love on our community. It\u2019s such a joy to be able to bless our community and help. The church is here. We see you and share the love of Jesus in helping in practical ways.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
The Back-to-School Bash will be held from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Aug. 1, at Cape Christian\u2019s Fellowship Park, 2110 Chiquita Blvd., S.<\/p>\n
In addition to the backpacks, free haircuts will be provided. The event will also include a 3-on-3 basketball tournament for high school students, water inflatables, train rides, a dunk tank, and a kids program featuring prize giveaways such as gift cards and toys. The splash pad will be open, and food and snacks will be available for purchase with 100% of the proceeds benefiting Cape Christian. The Lee County Sheriff\u2019s Office also will provide free ice cream.<\/p>\n
Last year was the first time the church held the Back to School Bash. Approximately 1,000 backpacks were given away. Villalobos said the event was a huge success, as they were able to reach out to the community while hosting a fun day for everyone.<\/p>\n
The church holds other themed or special days as well.<\/p>\n
Cape Christian holds a big Christmas Village in the winter and Serve Day in the spring. <\/p>\n
When they noticed that they didn\u2019t have a lot going on during the summer season, they decided to do something extra for the community \u2013 the Back to School Bash.<\/p>\n
Villalobos said if parents have two kids \u2013 between buying supplies, backpacks, and haircuts \u2013 it adds up. The event helps with a few supplies and a free haircut to kick off the school year, all while helping families.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s awesome to be able to bless our community,\u201d Villalobos said.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n
This year they are hoping to have 40 to 50 barbers and hairstylists participate in the event for those free haircuts.<\/p>\n
Villalobos said Trend Setters is shutting its doors for the day, so they can bring 15-20 barbers to the event.<\/p>\n
\u201cThey are actually sending all of their barbers over. It\u2019s been a real blessing,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
To get ready for the event, Cape Christian is holding a School Supply Drive with bins located on the campus, so they can fill the backpacks.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf they want to help, we need help filling the backpacks with supplies. We have an Amazon wish list,\u201d Villalobos said, adding that the items \u201cgo directly to our church. That is definitely one way that they can help.\u201d<\/p>\n
Items they are collecting include 24-count crayons, No. 2 pencils, glue sticks, colored pencils, blunt end scissors, wide and college ruled notebooks, pocket folders, rulers, pencil boxes\/pouches, travel size packs of tissues and small bottles of hand sanitizers.<\/p>\n
The wish list can be found at\u00a0amazon.com\/hz\/wishlist<\/a>.<\/p>\n The cutoff date is Sunday, July 26, for Amazon orders.<\/p>\n Registration for the backpacks will begin at 8 a.m. with them being passed out from 9 a.m. to noon. Those looking to take park can also preregister for the backpacks at\u00a0capechristian.com\/back-to-school-bash<\/a>.<\/p>\n \u201cIt reserves their spot if they preregister,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Villalobos said those who preregister have the first 45-minutes to claim their backpack.<\/p>\n The basketball tournament also has a registration deadline of Sunday, July 26. It is $30 a team \u2014 three or four players \u2014 to register, which includes free lunch and giveaways, including a pair of Jordan shoes.<\/p>\n \u201cWe are giving away over 100 pairs of Jordan shoes that we got from the United Way,\u201d\u00a0Villalobos said. \u201cThey are a huge part of being able to give a little bit more.\u201d<\/p>\n The winning team will receive $500.<\/p>\n The players who enter the tournament will also have the opportunity to compete in the three-point shootout. The winner will receive a portable PlayStation.<\/p>\n For additional information about the back-to-school supply drive or tournament, call (239) 772-5683.<\/p>\n