By Joseph Cyr
Staff Writer
HOULTON — Thanks to the overwhelming efforts by the community, more than 200 children will head to school this fall with a new backpack.
Adopt-a-Block of Aroostook held its fifth annual “Back to School Block Party” at the Military Street Baptist Church, with a large crowd coming out for the event. More than 500 people participated in this year’s event, according to Tammie Goestch, one of the coordinators.
The backpacks were filled with school supplies and donated by local churches and businesses that partner with Adopt-a-Block.
Contributed photo
READY TO GO — More than 200 backpacks are ready to be passed out to children in need.
In addition to backpacks, a barbecue lunch, bounce houses, face painting, dunk tank, popcorn from Bangor Savings Bank, ice cream from Houlton Farms Dairy and two bikes were drawn courtesy of Walmart. Many prizes were also given away.
Also, three local hairdressers gave back-to-school haircuts for more than 20 children and more than 100 families were able to pick up free clothing items.
Goestch said more than 2,000 pounds of food was given away.
“The goal of Adopt-a-Block of Aroostook is to meet the needs of our community by partnering with local agencies,” Goestch said. “These needs may range from physical needs such as food, furniture, and clothing, to more non-tangible needs such as a friendly face, in-home support, and care. Find a need and fill it….find a hurt and heal it.”
