Rockingham Housing Authority Back-to-School Bash

ROCKINGHAM - For several years, one local housing authority has been hosting late summer event for children to have a little fun and get school supplies.

But this year, because of the COVID-19 pandemic and state restrictions on mass gatherings, things will be different.

The Rockingham Housing Authority will be hosting its annual Back-to-School BASH on Aug. 14, but it will be a drive-thru event, according to a press release dated Aug. 12.

"Our children have experienced something many of us would have never imagined, and as we continue to strive through uncertainty, we want to show our children that we all are moving forward, adjusting to the current state of affairs, together," RHA Executive Director Chereka Belton said in the release.

The event will run from 10:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. at Falling Creek Recreational Park while supplies last. Those supplies include masks, gloves, hand sanitizer, flash drives and more.

While it will be a drive-thru event, those on foot will be accommodated. For those driving, kids must be in the vehicles to receive supplies.

Belton also thanked the sponsors of this years event: Covenant Enterprise Painting; Murphy Electric Supply, Inc.; Champion Ford Lincoln; The Banks Law Firm; John. V. Grossi, CPA; the Wallace Family; "as well as our silent sponsors and partnering agencies."

This is the 10th year of the event, which is open to residents across the county.

In years past, the event has featured free food, bounce houses and other activities for students, as well as informational booths from organizations including FirstHealth and the Richmond County Partnership for Children.

This article originally published by The Richmond Observer, August 13, 2020.