Argrow’s House and Grace City Church will host a back-to-school party for families and children and distribute free school supplies with their Bless the Block Backpack Event going on from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13, at Grace City Church, 1925 Fifth Ave., Rock Island.
In its fourth year, the event is organized by the nondenominational Grace City Church and Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, which offers free services to domestic violence and abuse survivors as well as the opportunity to create bath and body products to help survivors earn a living wage in a safe space.
Bless the Block will feature free backpacks with school supplies, food, face painting, a bounce house, games and more. “Every child deserves to be celebrated and to have the resources they need when school starts,” said Kit Evans-Ford, founder and executive director of Argrow’s House, in a news release.
“This event will get Quad City kids excited about the school year and will supply them with what
they need to be successful,” she added. “Kids will receive school supplies and a backpack, which can be expensive, especially for families with multiple children. We hope to take that burden off of families.”
Last year, the event provided 125 backpacks to families and children in need. This year, organizers aim to double that number and give away 250 backpacks. Organizers collected donations from throughout the community and packed backpacks according to school supply lists for each grade level, as well as nontraditional adult students, too.
“Everyone is invited to attend,” Ms. Evans-Ford said. “Traditional students, nontraditional students, families. … Come grab a backpack, get something to eat, play games and meet others. This event is about blessing not just the block but the whole community. It will be a joyful time.”
