More than 700 students and family members packed into the auditorium of Harvest Ministries for the annual Back to School Event Aug. 20.

This year’s event saw the partnership of various agencies and groups to make an even larger impact for Anson County and its students.

Prior to the event, many volunteers donated school supplies, money, and time to ensure every child who attended would receive the materials listed by each school throughout the county. Wadesboro Walmart assisted in this year’s endeavor, allowing event volunteers to set up and collect donations and supplies for two weekends.

Community leaders and local elected officials including Clerk of Court Marc Hammonds, pastors, and educators from various Anson County schools attended the event, and encouraged the crowd to have a successful upcoming school year. Sheriff Landric Reid also helped with the Shaundasia Smith “Stride with Pride” shoe drive, giving away hundreds of pairs of shoes. Anson County Partnership for Children staff were on hand to give away free books to elementary-aged kids as well.

The Anson High School J.V. Cheerleaders were in attendance, and energized the crowd with a few Bearcat pride cheers. A special appearance by Dora the Explorer and SpongeBob Squarepants brought excitement as well.

Every child and student in attendance left with a brand-new book bag packed with school supplies to prepare them for this year’s education. In addition, three computer tablets were given away, cash prizes over $100, Anson Bearcat T-Shirts (donated by Northcutt Affordables of Wadesboro), and many other prizes. A total of 500 book bags were given away during the event.

The event opened in prayer by Harvest founder, Pastor Tim Adams. He and Anson County Commissioner Vancine Sturdivant and the dignitaries in attendance offered words of support and encouragement, telling all the students “know your worth” and “know who you are.”

“For over 20 years, through God, the support of my husband William Sturdivant and dedicated citizens, Faith Based Center of Hope has supplied youth uniforms and school materials in order to prepare students for an education,” Sturdivant said. “Each year the needs get larger, and each year a way is made to accommodate everyone.”

“Because of the generous, amazing, and unconditional love and kindness of Senior Pastor/Founder Tim Adams and Lead Pastor Steve Adams of Harvest Ministries Outreach Center, this has been one of our best years,” she added.

In addition to the 500 book bags given away, large boxes filled with school supplies and uniforms were delivered to every school in Anson County.

“Together we can make a larger impact, together we can show unity, and together we can change for the better,” said Pastor Steve Adams.

Courtesy photo More than 700 people attended a back-to-school event at Harvest Ministries Aug. 20.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_BACK-TO-SCHOOL-4.jpgCourtesy photo More than 700 people attended a back-to-school event at Harvest Ministries Aug. 20.

Courtesy photo Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer helped kids get ready for school.
https://ansonrecord.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/web1_BACK-TO-SCHOOL-10.jpgCourtesy photo Spongebob Squarepants and Dora the Explorer helped kids get ready for school.
Students supplied, encouraged at back-to-school event

For the Record