EAST PROVIDENCE — Giving back to the community is unquestionably a great way to witness smiles, and so it was Saturday, Aug. 12, at East Providence High School as the Bridgepointe …
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EAST PROVIDENCE — Giving back to the community is unquestionably a great way to witness smiles, and so it was Saturday, Aug. 12, at East Providence High School as the Bridgepointe Christian Church celebrated its fifth annual “Back to School Fair” preparation event for local elementary students.
The fair started at 9 a.m., but there was a line forming filled with parents and children well before. The giveaway was the inspiration of the wife of Bridgepointe Christian Church pastor Josh Pezold, who first envisioned the fair due to her experience as a substitute teacher. Her encounters as a teacher led her to discover the thousands of dollars spent out of pocket on students each year.
The fair began with only three elementary schools, but has grown to include each of the eight public schools in the city. All students from Kent Heights, Whiteknact, Hennessey, Orlo, Francis, Oldham, Silver Spring and Waddington were welcome to participate in the activities provided.
“The manner in which services were carried out was efficient, organized and included a variety of fun for children,” said a mother of a student at the fair.
Preparation for the event takes place throughout year, but most of the groundwork is laid out within six months prior to the event. All of the donations are exclusively used for each event. Any unused items and funds are carried over into the budget for next year’s fair.
Pastor Pezold said, “The parishioners of Bridgepointe donate thousands of supplies to support the function each year.”
Backpacks weren’t the only things available to the students. Eye screenings, haircuts, and dental care are also included free of charge for children. The festive atmosphere also included face-painting, bouncy houses and even a mini golf station.
Mark Norton, a sergeant with the East Providence Police said, “There are never any issues, and it is such a positive experience.” He volunteers his services to supervise the event.
Not only was the event fun, but it is completed in such a manner that is of the utmost quality. The school supplies aren't generic, they are specific to the needs of each of the eight elementary schools in East Providence.
“If the church is doing its job, the community should be better because we’re here. We want to be known as good news,” Pastor Pezold added.
— Photos by Julie Furtado
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