On July 21, 2024, the vibrant community of Immokalee came together for the highly anticipated Ahved Back-to-School event. This year, the event surpassed expectations, offering essential services, school supplies, and a sense of unity to families gearing up for the new school year. The turnout was incredible, with a total of 823 participants, including adults, children, and teens, highlighting the strong community spirit that defines Immokalee.
A Day of Giving and Support
The event saw 398 families in attendance, demonstrating the commitment of parents and guardians to ensure their children have a successful start to the school year. In total, 331 adults with children and 67 adults without children participated, underscoring the broad appeal of the event and its critical role in supporting the entire community.
Backpacks and School Supplies Distribution
One of the main highlights was the distribution of backpacks and school supplies, tailored to meet the needs of students across different age groups:
340 backpacks for toddlers and kids
45 backpacks for teen boys
40 backpacks for teen girls
These supplies are more than just school essentials—they represent a head start and a confidence boost for the students as they embark on another academic year.
Vital Health Services
Understanding the importance of health and wellness, the event partnered with local health providers to offer free screenings and physicals:
Eye Screenings by Sante Plus Medical Center helped 85 adults, emphasizing the importance of vision health.
Health Screenings and Physicals for 53 students ensured that children and teens are in optimal health as they head back to school.
These services are invaluable, providing peace of mind to parents and supporting the overall well-being of the youth in the community.
Food Giveaway and Essential Services
The generosity extended beyond school supplies and health screenings. A food giveaway served 368 participants, reflecting the ongoing support that Ahved provides to families in need. Additionally, assistance was provided to 18 individuals with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), Employment Authorization, and Residency, ensuring that community members have access to crucial support and guidance.
Fresh Haircuts for a Confident Start
For many students, a fresh haircut is an essential part of starting the school year with confidence. The event provided haircuts for 21 boys and teen boys, offering them a boost of self-esteem as they step back into the classroom.
A Community United
The Ahved Back-to-School event was more than just a gathering—it was a celebration of community, support, and generosity. The overwhelming participation and the range of services provided highlight the power of coming together to support one another. As families left with backpacks full of supplies, fresh haircuts, and completed health screenings, there was a shared sense of readiness and excitement for the school year ahead.
Ahved extends its heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers, service providers, and sponsors who made this event possible. Your commitment to the community ensures that Immokalee’s students are equipped not just with the tools they need, but also with the confidence to succeed. Here’s to a fantastic start to the new school year!
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