UConn Basketball Star To Host Back-To-School Celebration In Hartford

HARTFORD, CT — Hartford families can pick up backpacks and school supplies and take advantage of free haircuts Saturday as part of Connecticut's first Back to School Bash organized by the Silas Demary Jr. Foundation.

The free event is scheduled for 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 22, at The Mark Twain House & Museum, 351 Farmington Ave. in Hartford.

Organizers said children must be present to receive a backpack.

Free grooming services will also be available on a first-come, first-served basis, with limited slots. Children receiving grooming services must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Silas Demary Jr., a UConn men's basketball player, is scheduled to appear as a special guest.

The foundation is also collecting new school supplies for local children.

Requested donations include notebooks, No. 2 pencils, colored pencils, erasers, crayons, markers, scissors, glue, folders, water bottles, tissues, resealable bags, disinfecting wipes, and headphones.

Supply donations can be dropped off at The Mark Twain House, 351 Farmington Ave.; Hartford Federal Credit Union, 964 Asylum Ave.; Monaco Ford Showroom, 767 New London Turnpike in Glastonbury; and Hartford Public Library locations at 500 Main St. and 1250 Albany Ave.

The event is being held in partnership with The Mark Twain House & Museum, Hartford Federal Credit Union, Boys & Girls Clubs of Hartford, and other community partners.

The Mark Twain House & Museum said it was "excited to host and be a part of" the foundation's first annual Connecticut Back to School Bash and encouraged community members to donate supplies.

Admission is free.