For at least 15 years the Good Samaritan Mission in Wimauma provided backpacks and school supplies for area children. The school year begins on August 25. Michelle Traphagen photos.
With the new school year beginning soon, many families are facing challenges in providing the necessary supplies for their school-age children. For at least 15 years, the Good Samaritan Mission of Wimauma has opened its doors to lend a helping hand. In the process, the organization also created a party-like atmosphere for the children and their families.
Pastor Bill Cruz of the Good Samaritan Mission expected to host 400 people at the event, held on Saturday, designed to provide school supplies and much more. In addition to backpacks and needed supplies such as notebook and pencils, the Good Samaritan Mission Back To School Outreach also provided haircuts and manicures for the children, along with face-painting from Girl Scout Troop 405, snacks and a bounce house. Additionally, “Nozzle Nose” the elephant greeted the children upon their arrival, and several local organizations were on hand to provide helpful information on area services.
Nozzle Nose the elephant gets a nose test.
Those organizations included Bay Area Legal Services, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (with Benny the Volkswagen Beetle), the Children’s Home of Tampa Bay, the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, DACCO, Bullet Free Sky, the Department of Juvenile Justice, Friends of the Little Manatee River, Hillsborough County Fire Rescue, Hillsborough County Office of Community Affairs, Hillsborough County Public Library, Hillsborough Technical Education Centers, the Hispanic Services Council, RCMA Academy, Sam’s Club, The Spring, Sun City Center United Methodist Church, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunities Commission, Visions of Hope and Florida Vocational Rehabilitation.
The Community Foundation of Tampa Bay contributed funding for the event.
For information about the Good Samaritan Mission, visit www.gsmission.org or www.facebook.com/GoodSamMissionWimauma.
