When Lisa Eckert, senior director of youth services with The Factory Ministries, began planning this year's Back-to-School Extravaganza, which includes a backpack giveaway, she got together with The Factory Ministries advocates to discuss the best way to do things this time around. "We decided to switch it up a little bit," reported Eckert, who added that the advocates have been holding a Back-to-School Family Bingo event for some time. "We decided to combine those into one event, since a lot of the same families come to both."

This year's Back to School Extravaganza will be held on Wednesday, Aug. 6, from 1 to 3 p.m. at The Factory, 3293 E. Lincoln Highway, Paradise. The Back-to-School Family Bingo portion will be held in the gymnatorium, while the Back-to-School Supply Shop will be set up in Room 117, which is adjacent to the gymnatorium. Lunch, sponsored by Bank of Bird-in-Hand, will be part of the event.

There is no need to register to attend bingo. "There will be a variety of prizes, and school supplies will be a prize option," explained Eckert, who noted that the event originated as a way to include children in the bingo games that are held monthly at The Factory. "They started having one in August that was a back-to-school (theme), and it evolved into offering school supplies," said Eckert.

The Back-to-School Supply Shop will be open to all area children from prekindergarten through high school. Registered students will be given a voucher they can use to shop for a backpack, school supplies, and personal hygiene items. Those wishing to take part should register by Wednesday, July 30, at https://tinyurl.com/b2school2.

Displays and information about services offered by The Factory Ministries will be available, and information about all youth services and fall programming will be provided.

In 2024, more than 120 backpacks were given away. Items needed to fill this year's backpacks include pencil cases; water bottles; ear buds; craft supplies, such as markers and colored pencils; and hygiene supplies, including soap, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, and hair accessories. While Bellevue Presbyterian Church and other area organizations gather supplies for the effort, Eckert pointed out that anybody is welcome to donate. She asked that school supplies and hygiene items be dropped off at The Factory between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Mondays through Fridays by July 30.

Volunteers to help staff the Back-to-School Extravaganza are needed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Aug. 6. Individuals who wish to volunteer or have any questions may contact Eckert at 717-314-2517 or lisa_eckert@pequeavalley.org.