If back-to-school shopping has felt out of reach this year, there’s a one-stop event in Columbia this Friday worth the drive: free backpacks stuffed with supplies, free sports physicals, free dental, vision and hearing screenings, a free food court, and free shoes and household essentials, all under one roof.
The Powerhouse Back-to-School Bash runs from noon to 6 p.m. Friday, Aug. 15, at the MU Health Care Pavilion at Columbia’s Agriculture Park — the same spot that hosts the Columbia Farmers Market. It’s put on by Powerhouse Community Development Corporation, partnered with EPIC, a division of the Columbia Chamber of Commerce.
The event is open to elementary, middle and high school students, and organizers aren’t asking families to register ahead of time — supplies go out first-come, first-served. Backpacks are filled with notebooks, highlighters, pens, pencils and folders, and are valued at $22 to $24 depending on grade level. Organizers say they’re packing thousands of them.
Charles Stephenson, the Powerhouse Community Development Corporation’s executive director and founder, said the need behind the event is real: “So many families are suffering and struggling. Cost of living has gone up, food’s up, groceries are up, and definitely those school supplies.”
Beyond supplies, the health and resource fair means a family can knock out a required sports physical and vision, hearing or dental screening in the same visit — no separate doctor’s appointment needed before the first day of practice or class.
The event’s Facebook page is Powerhouse Community Development Corporation, for anyone who wants details closer to Friday.