Free Back-to-School Supplies, Exams, Haircuts, More for Low-Income Rochester Kids

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As the back-to-school anticipation mounts, so do the expenses for new clothes, backpacks, haircuts, physicals, school supplies – leaving those living at or near the poverty line wondering how to pay for it all.

Created to help low-income kids throughout the greater Rochester area, the Back-to-School Bonanza! takes place from 10 a.m.-2 p.m.Saturday, Aug. 8, at West Middle School in Rochester Hills.

Organized by the nonprofit KidzKare, the fourth annual Bonanza! provides free school supplies, clothing, backpacks and haircuts, as well as well-child exams for daycare, school and sports; dental, vision and hearing screenings; and education on physical, emotional and social health. All products and services are free for area children 18 and under who are on Medicaid and/or underinsured. Face painting, healthy snacks and entertainment are offered to make the event enjoyable as well as helpful to kids.

To better prepare for participant needs, prior registration is strongly encouraged.

Registered attendees will receive priority check-in, starting at 9:30 a.m., and entry at 10 a.m. To register in advance, visit www.kidzkare.net – click BONANZA!, or call (248) 505-3522.

“Despite our improving economy and our reputation as a wealthy region, the number of families who need this type of support here continues to grow,” Jay Mitchell, M.D., the pediatrician who founded KidzKare and recently retired from practice to work full-time with KidzKare programs.

“More than 15 percent of students in the Rochester Community Schools qualify for some type of state and/or federal financial assistance,” he said.

In its first three years, the Back-to-School Bonanza! has provided more than 1,600 children with over $250,000 in donated goods and services. In 2013, the event received the Michigan Department of Community Health’s Hometown Health Award.

Community partnerships are vital to the event’s ability to serve local children. This year’s event is generously supported by Rochester Area Neighborhood House, Assistance League of Southeastern Michigan, Five Star Singles Connection, Whole Foods Market and dozens of volunteers, including many healthcare professionals.

The mission of KidzKare is to create, provide and support programs that improve the physical, emotional, social and educational well-being of children and youth in the greater Rochester area. In addition to Back-to-School Bonanza!, current programs include Raising Rochester, a multi-community garden program with produce donated to children and others in need; and Recycled Reader, the collection and redistribution of gently used books for children.

Back-to-School Bonanza! takes place Aug. 8 at West Middle School, 500 Old Perch Rd. in Rochester Hills. To register to attend, volunteer, partner or sponsor, visit www.kidzkare.net or call (248) 505-3522