United Way to hold Back-to-School festival

Submitted article

KEOKUK - It’s that time once again, where the community unites to help students and families with their back to school needs. The 15th Annual Back to School Festival will be held on Saturday, August 10 from Noon to 3PM at Trinity United Methodist Church. Event sponsors include: Trinity United Methodist Church, United Way of the Great River Region, Salvation Army, Hy-Vee, McDonald’s of Keokuk, Roquette America, Allied Blending, Climax Molybdenum, New Testament Church, Two Rivers Bank & Trust and Glasscock/de Gala Family.
The event is free and open to the public regardless of income or school district. Backpacks with selected school supplies will be distributed for students pre-kindergarten through high school on a first come first serve basis. Students and families will have the opportunity to visit with area agencies and organizations as well as receive a free basic haircut, enjoy games, face painting, food, ice cream floats and tour of local emergency vehicles.
“Area churches, organizations, and businesses have donated money, school supplies and volunteer time in order to make this a successful event” says Karen Siefken, Director at United Way of the Great River Region. “It’s great to see the community come together to help families get ready for the start of the school year”. In addition, Trinity United Methodist Church and United Way of the Great River Region would like to thank all of the wonderful volunteers who help pack backpacks with school supplies.
Want to get involved? Sponsor a backpack for $20 each and/or volunteer your time on the day of the event. Contact Sue at United Way at 319-524-4504 for more information.