GAINESVILLE, TX – As children get ready to head back to school, North Texas Medical Center and Real Life Church will team up once again for a special Back to School Wellness Event to make sure every child has what they need to be successful and healthy in the upcoming school year.
This year’s event is scheduled for July 28 from 5-7 p.m., at the Gainesville ISD Multi-Purpose Indoor Facility located at Gainesville High School. It will feature free school supplies and backpacks (while supplies last), free basic haircuts for kids, free vision screenings conducted by the Gainesville Lions Club, and information from organizations and businesses that can help a child start the school year healthy and happy. It is open to all area school children and their parents.
NTMC began the annual event in 2014 at the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County. It was also held for several years at Real Life Church, but as the event grew, a bigger space was needed, hence the move to the GISD Multi-Purpose Indoor Facility.
Because of Covid, last year’s event was drive-thru only. But this year, participants will be able to attend in person and visit with participating vendors.
“NTMC is happy to sponsor the Back to School event for area students,” NTMC CEO Tom Sledge said. “We love being able to support our community by helping families prepare for the upcoming school year. Last year’s drive-thru event was successful, despite the limitations imposed by the coronavirus pandemic. This year we are looking forward to more direct interactions with the students and their family members now that the impact of COVID-19 has been reduced.”
Those that attend the event can get information on community assistance programs, childcare programs, mentoring programs, youth programs, healthy snacks and lunches, fitness, church programs and much more.
“The Back to School Event has been a source of great blessings to our community and to the people of our church,” said Real Life Church pastor Jerry Lubrano. “Our church is all about reaching out to help as many people as we can. Real Life Church is ‘a place for everyone’ so the Back to School Event is an opportunity to show the love of God in a practical way. Our partners have been a blessing to Gainesville and Cooke County as well, so we are expecting a great crowd of parents and students for us all to help.”
The Back to School Wellness Event is sponsored by North Texas Medical Center, Real Life Church, PPG, Angel Academy and the Gainesville Kiwanis Club. There is no charge to attend the event. You are asked to enter the Gainesville High School campus from FM 1306.
