Back-to-School Bashes Support Thousands Across U.S. Communities

Across multiple U.S. communities, back-to-school bashes are being held to support students and families as the new academic year approaches. In Chicago, Jaqueza Thomas's nonprofit, Chicago Emerging Stars, is hosting a large event featuring over 1,000 backpacks, free haircuts, hygiene kits, food, and a work and wellness fair targeting youth employment and mental health services. Similar events took place in Ardmore, Oklahoma, Rockford, Illinois, Sherman, Texas, and Norwich, Connecticut, providing free school supplies, haircuts, meals, and activities to help alleviate the financial burden on families. These events emphasize community support and the importance of setting children up for success, with local officials and organizations participating to ensure wide-reaching impact. The initiatives highlight a collective effort to create safe, celebratory environments for students while addressing critical needs such as career preparation and wellness resources. Overall, these back-to-school bashes reflect a nationwide movement to empower youth and families at the start of the school year.