IT’S THAT TIME AGAIN — Those at the Urban Mission are preparing for this year’s Back-to-School Bash, set for 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at 234 N. Seventh St. Supplies and backpacks will be available for those in preschool through 12th grade. Children must be present to receive the merchandise. Supplies will be given on a first-come, first-served basis. Helping with the preparations are Awtihana Smith, left, and Cynthia Lytle, director of programs and community engagement. -- Julie Stenger

STEUBENVILLE — There used to be a commercial where a father celebrated the end of summer by riding a buggy through a store, elated his children were going back to school. Many found the commercial humorous, as they related to the excitement mothers and fathers feel when another school year begins. But then reality sets in, and parents realize returning to school can be costly — especially when there are multiple children to buy for. The expenses add up quickly … school supplies, clothing, shoes, lunches.

But one local agency understands, knowing not every household celebrates. Not everyone can afford to send their child back to school. And so, they decided to do something about it.

Those at the Urban Mission have been assisting local families for more than two decades through its annual Back-to-School Bash. And this year is certainly no exception. Organizers are seeking donations from community residents of school supplies or monetary donations in order to meet the needs of more than 850 children.

According to Cynthia Lytle, director of programs and community engagement for the Urban Mission, this year’s event will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 14 at 234 N. Seventh St., in the parking lot of the Seventh Street Plaza. Backpacks and school supplies will be available for students in preschool through 12th grade. Students must be present in order to receive the merchandise, Lytle noted, saying supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis only.

Why? According to Lytle, people begin waiting in line early in the morning, coming from school districts such as Steubenville, Indian Creek and Edison. Those who attend with the child present will be given their supplies first. The agency is preparing to help anywhere between 850 to 900 students this year, Lytle noted, saying more than 800 students were assisted last year.

Parents who need to pick up their child’s supplies at the agency’s office once the bash has concluded and should there be supplies still available.

This year’s giveaway will include college and wide-ruled notebooks, college and wide-ruled filler paper, two-pocket folders, composition notebooks, No. 2 pencils, pens, a 24-pack of crayons, a 10-pack of markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, glue bottles, safety scissors and dry-erase markers.

“While the Urban Mission serves as host for this event, it is the community that truly shines,” Lytle exclaimed. “The back-to-school bash exemplifies the positive spirit within our community, with local agencies dedicating their time to connect students and families to vital resources and local businesses and residents generously donating to support the cause. Our collective efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration in addressing shared needs. We are proud to serve our community in this way, and to assist families in providing their children with the necessary school supplies for a successful school year.”

Although planning began in May and continues through August, donations are still needed to accommodate the almost 1,000 students the organization will help. Lytle said supply and monetary donations are welcome and will be accepted through Aug. 8. Supply donations can be delivered to the Urban Mission’s main office, at 311 N. Sixth St. Office hours are from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monetary donations can be made online at urbanmission.org or mailed to the office. For information or to donate, contact the agency at (740) 282-8010 or visit urbanmission.org. Updated information will be provided on the nonprofit’s Facebook page.

Those at the United Way of Jefferson County will offer its United Sole Program giveaway at the bash, distributing shoes to those who have already signed up to receive a free pair of shoes for the start of the school year. Lytle said she values the Urban Mission’s partnership with the United Way and the AEP Cardinal Plant, which makes the shoe drive possible.

“We count them to be a blessing that they continue to choose our back-to-school bash as the distribution site for the United Sole Program each year,” Lytle stated. “Combining the shoe giveaway with the back-to-school bash has proven to work well for the students and their parents. We look forward to continuing this partnership for many years to come.”

“We anticipate more than 30 community agencies to take part in this year’s bash,” Lytle said. “As always, we look forward to the Big Red Marching Band to traditionally kick off the event, as they do every year. We are excited to welcome back our friends from Ohio Valley Hospice, who will be providing their famous fresh-squeezed lemonade for those in attendance.”

Community members are encouraged to follow the Urban Mission’s Facebook page for updates and announcements regarding the Back-to-School Bash, sponsorships and participating agencies.