Supplying children with their classroom needs can sometimes be “tough,” said Rafael Huerta, managing director of the Latin American Association’s Dalton Outreach Centers.
“With inflation, we know that it can be tough for families, especially if they are in a single household and two or more kids,” Huerta said. “There are underserved families in the area and we would like to reach out to them and help.”
Huerta said the local Latin American Association chapter will host its fifth annual Back to School Bash from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, July 20, underneath the large outdoor pavilion at the Mack Gaston Community Center.
“The idea behind this program is purely to support the parents that need our help with backpacks and school supplies with their children so they can start a successful school year,” Huerta said.
The event, which is free and open to the public, is sponsored by the association and Mohawk Industries with help from community partners including Dalton Public Schools, Whitfield County Schools and the Dalton Parks and Recreation Department.
Students from pre-kindergarten to 12th grade can participate. Community volunteers will hand out 600 free backpacks filled with school supplies and other necessities.
“We’re focusing on Whitfield County Schools and Dalton Public Schools students, however, we do not deny these services to anyone from other counties, whether it’s Chatsworth, Calhoun or the surrounding area,” said Huerta.
The first day of school for students in Dalton Public Schools and Whitfield County Schools is Thursday, Aug. 8. The first day of school for Murray County Schools students is Tuesday, Sept. 3.
Parents or legal guardians of students are encouraged to register online before attending the event by visiting https://thelaa.jotform.com/231285278142860 and filling out the event form. The form is available in English and Spanish.
“The only requirement is that the kid must be present,” Huerta said. “That’s because our volunteers will ask the kids to pick out the backpack they like. We want the kid to be happy because this is the backpack that they will use for the entire school year. We will have all colors and sizes.”
Huerta said if families do not have access to a cellphone or computer and they are not able to register in advance, volunteers will be stationed during the morning to sign up additional students.
“We don’t turn away anybody,” he said. “We will sort the backpacks and school supplies by grade level and we will have four tables, one for pre-K to second grade, one for third through fifth grade, one for middle school and then one for high school students.”
Students and families will also be able to enjoy free hot dogs, chips, drinks and popsicles, Huerta said.
Founded in Atlanta in 1972, the Latin American Association has been serving Dalton and Northwest Georgia communities since May 2019, Huerta said.
The association has two locations in Dalton, at 508 E. Morris St. and 218 N. Fredrick St. inside the Mack Gaston Community Center. Other outreach centers in Georgia include one in Atlanta and another in Lawrenceville.
“We offer services for the entire family,” Huerta said. “Including family well-being, with financial assistance, rent, mortgage payment and utility bills. We also help with enrollment for public benefits like food stamps, Medicaid and CAPS (Childcare and Parent Services).”
Along with family well-being, Huerta said the association focuses on youth services, immigration services and economic empowerment, with programs including Dalton State College’s Latino Youth Leadership Program, mentoring programs at The Dalton Academy, Temporary Protected Status workshops and ¡Avanzando Juntas! (Moving Forward Together!), an entrepreneurship program for Latina women who would like to start their own business or see their existing businesses grow.
For more information on the association or the Back to School Bash, contact the Dalton Outreach Centers at (706) 529-9162 or (706) 272-1994.