ROCK ISLAND, ILLINOIS (August 2, 2023) — Join Argrow’s House and Grace City Church as they celebrate local families and children with a back-to-school party and distribute free school supplies. Bless the Block Backpack Event will take place on Sunday, August 13, 12:30-2:30PM, at Grace City Church, 1925 5th Avenue, Rock Island. Children and families will enjoy FREE backpacks and school supplies, food, face painting, a bounce house, games, and more.
The event is organized by Grace City Church, a non-denominational church working to restore lives and rebuild communities, and Argrow’s House of Healing and Hope, a healing house that offers free services for survivors of domestic violence and abuse. Argrow’s House is also a social enterprise that hires survivors to create bath and body products that are sold online and in stores. Both communities are known to generously serve Quad Citians.
“Every child deserves to be celebrated and to have the resources they need when school starts,” says Dr Kit Evans-Ford, founder and executive director of Argrow’s House. “This event will get Quad City kids excited about the school year and will supply them with what they need to be successful. Kids will receive school supplies and a backpack, which can be expensive, especially for families with multiple children. We hope to take that burden off of families.”
The event is in its fourth year. Last year, 125 backpacks were given away. Organizers aim to double that number and give away 250 backpacks stuffed with supplies at this year’s event. Donations have been collected from community members and organizations throughout the Quad Cities. Volunteers gathered school-supply lists for each grade level and packed the bags accordingly.
All are welcome at the Bless the Block Backpack Event, regardless of where they live or their age. In fact, volunteers and organizers have backpacks filled with supplies ready for non-traditional, adult students as well.
“Everyone is invited to attend,” says Dr Ford. “Traditional students, non-traditional students, families… come grab a backpack, get something to eat, play games, and meet others. This event is about blessing not just the block but the whole community. It will be a joyful time.”
About the Argrow’s House:
Argrow’s House is a safe space in the Greater Quad Cities Region where free services are offered daily for women healing from violence and abuse. Services range from domestic violence support groups, therapeutic horseback riding, counseling services, and more. Argrow's House is also a bath and body business where women healing from abuse create beautiful bath products that provide a living wage for themselves in a safe space that celebrates who they are. To learn more, visit argrowshouse.org.
About Grace City Church:
Grace City has three campuses throughout the Quad Cities — a cathedral in Rock Island, Argrow’s House in Davenport, and The Center in Moline. The mission of Grace City is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ in both word and action to all people; introducing unbelievers to the eternal salvation of God while holistically developing believers to become mature Christians. To learn more, visit gracecitylive.net/.
