Hancock County residents line up at vendor booths during Community Night in 2019. This year’s event is July 27.
GREENFIELD – Several local organizations and churches are offering a helping hand to families faced with back-to-school shopping this month.
School starts the first week of August for many Hancock County students, and supply lists are on school corporation websites. Here’s a look at where to go for free backpacks and supplies.
-Hancock 4 Kids offers a backpack and supply giveaway 6:30-8 p.m. Thursday, July 21 at the Riley Park pavilion off of Apple Street. The event also includes food for the family, games and activities; children are requested to come in order to receive the supplies. Registration for the free event is required by July 20 at hancock4kids.org/event/family_fun_session2/.
-School supplies are among several freebies offered at the Hancock County Community Night Wednesday, July 27. The annual free event brings local organizations and public safety agencies together for demonstrations, food, giveaways and more. High school and junior high students will be offered folders, highlighters, paper binders, colored pencils, pencils, pens and backpacks. Elementary students will be offered folders, crayons, paper, markers, pencils, erasers and rulers in a sling bag. The event is 5-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 27 at the Hancock County Fairgrounds; visit facebook.com/HancockCountyCommunityNight for updates.
-Backpack Bash will be hosted by Apostolic Pentecostal Church in Greenfield 1-3 p.m. Saturday, July 23. Free backpacks and basic school supplies are available for grades pre-school to college; snowcones and hot dogs will also be on site. The church is located at 1202 E. Fifth St., Greenfield.
-A Back To School block party and backpack giveaway will be noon to 2 p.m. Saturday, July 23 at New Life Church, 501 N. Buck Creek Road, Cumberland. The event will include bounce houses, games and food.
-A Back to School Celebration will be at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 31 at Mt. Comfort Church. The worship service will include food, fun and fellowship, along with a backpack blessing and school supply giveaway. The church is located at 3179 N. 600W., Greenfield. For more, visit MtComfortChurch.com.
– Assistance is available to veteran families for back-to-school supplies and other school-related expenses.
The Indiana Department of Veterans Affairs announced the Family Relief Fund Operation Back to School program is now open for applicants. Indiana veteran families experiencing financial hardship may be eligible for up to $500 for each dependent for school-related items and needs.
Hoosier veteran families may apply for eligible dependents attending kindergarten to 12th grade (up to 18 years of age) and full-time college students (up to age 23) that live in the veteran’s home. Apply at in.gov/dva by clicking on “Military Family Relief Fund.”
