This past month, Indy Hygiene Hub hosted its 4th annual back-to-school bash, marking yet another successful chapter in our mission to provide resources to people facing challenges to affirm dignity and inspire hope.
The event, which has grown in size and impact each year, was a resounding success, serving 565 families and ensuring that 2300 children were well-prepared for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year.
A Day Of Service And Celebration
The back-to-school bash is more than just an event; it’s a celebration of community and collaboration. This year, we saw an incredible turnout, with families lining up early in the morning, eager to participate in the day’s activities. The atmosphere was filled with excitement and gratitude, as children and parents alike enjoyed the various services and giveaways offered throughout the day.
One of the standout services this year was the free haircuts provided by 12 dedicated volunteer stylists. These professionals generously gave up their Saturday to ensure that every child looked and felt their best on the first day of school. In total, 165 free haircuts were given, making a significant difference for many families who might otherwise struggle to afford this expense.
Thank you to Radiate Sixty Hair Collection, A+ Barber School, and Dianna Curtis Salon for sending hairstylists and for volunteering your time at the Indy Hygiene Hub back-to-school bash.
Equipping Our Future
Education is a cornerstone of personal and community development, and at Indy Hygiene Hub, we are committed to ensuring that every child has the tools they need to succeed in school. This year, we distributed backpacks filled with school supplies to 2300 children. These supplies included notebooks, pencils, pens, and folders that the students require to start the school year on the right foot.
The smiles on the children’s faces as they received their new backpacks were priceless. For many families, these supplies alleviate a significant financial burden, allowing parents to allocate their limited resources to other essential needs. By providing these supplies, we are not only supporting individual families but also investing in the future of our community.
We would like to say thank you to Carsource, Rivet Coffee, Kenmar Cares, Mercy Road Northwest and Mercy Road Carmel, and Be Well Family Care for sponsoring our backpacks.
Thank you to Sacred Spines Chiropractic for sponsoring the folders; Mr. Plumber for sponsoring the notebooks; and Napleton Hyundai in Carmel for sponsoring the pencils!
The Power of Volunteerism
Events like the back-to-school bash would not be possible without the incredible support of our volunteers. This year, we were fortunate to have a team of dedicated individuals who contributed their time and effort to make the event a success. From the stylists who provided haircuts to the volunteers who helped distribute backpacks and organize the event, each person played a crucial role.
Volunteerism is at the heart of Indy Hygiene Hub’s mission. Our volunteers embody the spirit of community service and demonstrate the profound impact that collective action can have. Their dedication and generosity are a testament to the strength of our community and the power of working together towards a common goal.
A special thank you to National Charity League, Inc. Carmel Chapter for sending out the majority of the volunteers that helped at the back-to-school bash.
Overcoming Challenges
Organizing an event of this scale is no small feat, and it comes with its share of challenges. From coordinating the logistics of distributing thousands of backpacks to ensuring that every family receives the assistance they need, our team faced numerous hurdles. However, the unwavering commitment of our vendors and volunteers, coupled with the support of our community partners, allowed us to overcome these challenges and deliver a successful event.
One of the key challenges this year was managing the increased demand for services. With more families in need due to economic pressures, it was essential to ensure that we had sufficient resources to meet this demand. Through careful planning and the generous contributions of our donors, we were able to rise to the occasion and serve every family that attended.
A special thank you to our community partners who made this event possible, along with our sponsors and individual donors:
- Rangeline Chiropractic
- Indiana Diaper Bank
- Just Love Coffee
- Christ Savior Lutheran Church
- Chick-Fil-A West Carmel
- The Lemon Bar
- Marion County Public Health Department
- Fansican Health
- Child Care Answers
- Herron Classic Schools
- Groff and Associates
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the success of this year’s back-to-school bash, we are already looking ahead to the future. Our goal is to continue expanding our reach and impact, ensuring that no child in our community goes without the essential supplies and support they need to succeed in school.
We are grateful to everyone who contributed to this year’s event, from our volunteers and staff to our donors and community partners. Your support is invaluable, and together, we are making a difference in the lives of countless families.
Get Involved
If you are inspired by the work we do and would like to get involved, there are many ways to support Indy Hygiene Hub. Whether through volunteering your time, donating supplies, or contributing financially, your support helps us continue our mission of serving the community. Thank you for being a part of our community and for supporting Indy Hygiene Hub. Here’s to another successful year and many more to come!