YMCA To Host Back-to-School Bash In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — Hundreds of Hartford-area families are expected at a free back-to-school event Saturday featuring backpack and bicycle giveaways, haircuts, food and family activities.

The Wilson-Gray YMCA will hold its annual Backpacks-N-BBQ Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 15, at 444 Albany Ave. in Hartford's North End. Doors will close at 1:30 p.m.

Organizers expect more than 800 children, parents and other community members to attend one of the YMCA's largest community events of the year.

The YMCA plans to distribute 350 backpacks and school supplies to elementary, middle and high school students. Eight donated bicycles will also be given away.

The Jewish Community Center helped provide much of this year's school supplies, according to event organizers.

Barbers and hairdressers will offer free haircuts and hair braiding for students. SoulBowls will work with the YMCA to provide a free community cookout.

The event will also include a foam party, dunk tank, bounce houses, face painting and yard games.

Several health and community organizations are expected to participate, including the American Red Cross, Community Health Services, Hartford Public Library, HUSKY Health, Our Piece of the Pie, Dignity Grows and CHR.

The Hartford police and fire departments are also scheduled to attend.

Organizers said the event is intended not only to help families obtain supplies for the new school year but also to connect them with health care, personal care, and other community resources available beyond Saturday's event.