Photo credit – Cait Crudden
In a heartwarming show of community support and solidarity, the Back-to-School event hosted at Granny Road Park brought together families, local businesses, and advocates to help prepare children for the upcoming school year. Organized by Gabby Paulino, owner of Sunny Smiles Treehouse Childcare, and community advocate Walter Mejia assisting in donations, the event was a resounding success, drawing a large crowd and providing much-needed school supplies to children in need.
The primary focus of the event was to ensure that children in the Gordon Heights community have the necessary tools to succeed in school. Over 100 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, such as notebooks, pencils, crayons, and folders, were donated to kids and families facing financial hardship. Paulino, who has been a dedicated advocate for children’s education, expressed her gratitude to the local businesses and volunteers who came together to make the event possible.
“This was important to give back to the kids,” remarked Gabby Paulino. “I did market research, and we saw the income level and needs in Medford. Things are very expensive now; parents are just making it. We donated backpacks and supplies so that families don’t have to choose between essentials.”
The success of the event was the result of collaborative efforts between Paulino, Mejia, and various local businesses that contributed donations and support. From supplying backpacks to providing snacks and prizes for the free raffle, the event showcased the power of community partnerships. Local organizations also set up informational booths, offering bilingual services to ensure that everyone could participate fully and benefit from the resources provided.
In addition to providing school supplies, the Back-to-School event featured various activities to create a festive and enjoyable atmosphere for attendees. Children delighted in playing on the inflatable bounce houses and slides, while others participated in a lively basketball tournament, showcasing their skills and sportsmanship. The sound of laughter and music filled the air, creating a celebratory environment that was as much about bringing the community together as it was about preparing for the school year.
The event also featured a free raffle with prizes, children’s books, and educational games. Volunteers handed out snacks and drinks, ensuring that everyone stayed refreshed throughout the day.
The Back-to-School event at Granny Road Park not only provided essential school supplies to children but also strengthened community bonds and highlighted the importance of coming together to support one another. As families left with new backpacks and smiles on their faces, the success of the day was evident. Organizers plan to continue to help the community with events like this, continuing their mission to empower children and support education.
“Sometimes we take for granted things like pencils but if they don’t have pencils, they can’t write,” stated Paulino. “It’s very important to me that the kids have what they need to succeed.”
