Back-to-school rallies set for Aug. 9

Contact: Lisa Deffendall • First Posted: Tuesday, July 29, 2008

Drop by a neighborhood back-to-school rally between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday Aug. 9 for free school supplies and helpful resources. Depending on the site you choose, the day might also feature face-painting for kids, inflatable bouncers, bingo, health fairs, food and more!
LexLinc, which organizes the annual rallies across Lexington, aims to build relationships between the community and the school system.
“We’re trying to make sure that every child goes to school prepared and they’re ready to learn,” said Catherine Warner, the project manager for children and youth, who said LexLinc is providing 6,000 supply kits for elementary-age children.
Schools superintendent Stu Silberman will try to visit as many of the 16 rally sites as possible. Board of Education members, district directors, principals, teachers, family resource and youth service center coordinators, and other district and school staff also will attend.
“This is an opportunity for FCPS to connect with families in their communities and to show the neighborhoods how much we appreciate their support for all our kids,” said Alice Nelson, the district’s Family and Community Support liaison.
The district also will provide such resources as a PTA brochure featuring “100 Ways to Support Your Child and School Success,” School-Based Decision Making brochures and other useful information sheets.
Elementary students attending the rally will each get a drawstring backpack and supply kit. Parents or guardians must have their child or children with them to receive school supplies and must register between 10 and 11 a.m. for the giveaway. Supplies for students in grades K-3 will be distributed between noon and 12:30 p.m. and for students in grades 4-5 between 12:30 and 1 p.m. Middle and high school supplies will be available on a limited basis at some rally sites (marked with a * below).
Here are the back-to-school rally locations:
  • Carver Center, 522 Patterson St. *
  • Castlewood Park, 201 Castlewood Drive *
  • Christ Centered Church, 2275 Eastland Pkwy.
  • Coolavin Park, 550 W. Sixth St.
  • Douglass Park, 726 Georgetown St. *
  • Duncan Park, 530 N. Limestone St.
  • First Baptist Bracktown Church, 3016 Bracktown Road *
  • Green Acres Shelter, 1560 LaSalle Road *
  • Marlboro Park, 561 Benton Road *
  • Pralltown Park / Lou Johnson Park, 190 Prall St. *
  • Rock/LaRoca United Methodist Church, 1015 N. Limestone St.
  • Russell Cave Church of Christ, 1841 McCullough Drive
  • Solutions Center (Gainesway) Plaza, 1165 Centre Pkwy. *
  • Speigel Heights Park, 424 Speigel St. *
  • Valley Park, 2077 Cambridge Drive
  • Woodhill Park, 457 Larkwood Drive *
* Middle and high school supplies also available
Rally sponsors that have donated $5,000 or more include American Founders Bank, the Anthany & Eunice Beatty Family Foundation, Bluegrass Community Foundation, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, Kentucky Utilities Co., the Knight Foundation, LFUCG, LFUCG-Department of Environmental Quality, LexLinc, Transylvania’s W.T. Young Center and the University of Kentucky.
LexLinc’s goal is to empower Lexington’s underserved neighborhoods and families. It actively connects people and organizations while mobilizing leadership across all community levels. For more information, contact Catherine Warner at (859) 381-1302 ext. 228 or cwarner@lexlinc.org.