2025 Back to School Program
Gear up for the upcoming Back to School Program hosted by Anchored Ministries on Saturday, August 16, 2025, from 9 AM–12 PM at Hopewell Church! This community event provides free backpacks, school supplies, and clothing to students in need—helping families start the school year strong. Whether you’re looking to donate, volunteer, or spread the word, your support makes a lasting impact. Together, we can equip local kids with the tools and confidence they need to succeed!
What is the Back to School Program?
As summer draws to a close, Anchored Ministries is dedicated to ensuring that every child in the Twin Valley School District is prepared for the upcoming school year. Our Back to School Program is designed to support students from kindergarten through 12th grade, providing them with the tools they need to succeed academically while also easing the financial burden on their families.
Through the generous donations of backpacks and school supplies from our community, we are able to host a special event each year where registered students can select their new backpacks and pick out any additional supplies they may need. But the support doesn’t stop there. Our event also offers a day of fun, where students and their families can enjoy a meal together and visit our Mobile Clothing Closet to find outfits for the new school year.
We understand that getting ready for school is about more than just supplies. That’s why, depending on the year, we offer additional perks such as free haircuts, eye exams, and other essential services to help students start the year with confidence.
Who is eligible?
Our Back to School Program is open to families with children from birth through 18 years old who either live in or attend school within the Twin Valley School District, including public, private, and homeschool students.
To qualify, families must also meet certain income or assistance guidelines, such as receiving SNAP, TANF, having children in foster care, or meeting the criteria for homeless, runaway, or migrant youth.
You can review current guidelines here:
To ensure we can serve as many local families as possible, we kindly ask that you apply to only one back-to-school assistance program.
If you meet these requirements, we would be honored to support your family as you prepare for the school year.
What to expect?
Registered families will arrive during their selected time slot and check in at the event entrance. From there, they’ll be guided through the event as a family—starting with a walk through the school supply line, where children can select a brand-new backpack from a wide assortment of styles and colors.
Next, they’ll visit grade-specific supply tables, where they can fill their backpacks with all the essentials tailored to their school level. Additional tables will be stocked with books, fun extras, and miscellaneous supplies available for families to grab as needed.
Light refreshments or a simple meal will be available, depending on the time of visit, offering families a chance to sit down, connect, and enjoy the day together.
After that, families will be invited to visit the Mobile Clothing Closet, where children can pick out quality, gently-used or new clothing to help them start the school year feeling confident and prepared.
Other special services—such as haircuts, eye exams, or wellness resources—may be offered depending on available community partners and volunteers for the year.
This event is designed to be uplifting, family-friendly, and full of joy, ensuring that every student starts the school year with everything they need and a smile on their face.
How can you help?
- Donate Backpacks & Supplies: Contribute to our collection drives by donating new backpacks, notebooks, pens, and other school essentials. Your generosity ensures that every child is equipped for the school year.
- Volunteer at the Event: Join us on the day of the event to help students find their supplies, serve food, or assist in the Mobile Clothing Closet. Your time and effort make a world of difference to these families.
- Offer Services: If you’re a local business or professional who can provide free haircuts, eye exams, or other services, we’d love to partner with you to make this event even more impactful.
- Donate Financially: If you’re unable to donate supplies or volunteer, financial contributions are always appreciated and go directly to supporting this program.
The Back to School Program is a vital part of our mission to serve our community, and we’ve seen firsthand how it changes lives. From the joy on a child’s face as they pick out their first backpack to the relief of parents who know their kids are ready to learn, this program reflects our commitment to showing Christ’s love in practical, meaningful ways.
If you would like to join us helping at the upcoming year’s event, please consider expressing your interest now by contacting us for this Upcoming Back to School event. Together, we can ensure that every child in the Twin Valley School District is ready for the next school year.