"Last year, we did a back-to-school supply shop at one of our Lunch & Learns," said Lisa Eckert, director of early learning with Pequea Valley School District (PVSD). "This year, it has evolved into something bigger and much different."

Eckert and Karla Beiler, director of Pequea Valley elementary advocacy, are currently planning the first Back to School Extravaganza!, which will be held in the gymnatorium at The Factory Ministries, 3293 E. Lincoln Highway, Paradise, on Wednesday, Aug. 2, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event, which is open to all children in PVSD, will offer free backpacks, school supplies, clothing, and hygiene supplies. Lunch will be provided by Ridgeview Mennonite Church, and a number of community partners, including Lead-Free Families, Safe Kids Lancaster-County Car Seat Check, IU13 Early Intervention, and WIC, will have tables set up to share information.

Beiler noted that Bellevue Presbyterian Church and Pequea Evangelical Congregational Church have teamed up to gather backpacks, school supplies, and hygiene supplies for the giveaway, and Eckert added that Staples on Lincoln Highway also donated. Charlotte Lapp and Sarah Hannah, who works at Salisbury Elementary, collected clothing to distribute. "It's mostly brand-new donations and a few gently used things," Beiler reported. Limeville's Blessings will also have a boutique on site for additional shopping. A ticket system will be utilized by families to choose specific items for children. "Registration is up (this year)," Beiler pointed out, "so we are still looking for items for middle and high school students such as backpacks, pencils, binders, and hygiene supplies." Supplies can be dropped at The Factory Ministries by Friday, July 28.

Volunteers are needed on Tuesday, Aug. 1, to help prepare the gymnatorium for the event. Individuals who have questions about registration, donation, or volunteering may contact Beiler at 717-687-9594, ext. 206, or karla@thefactoryministries.com or Eckert at 717-381-5020 or lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org.