Community helps 564 children start school ready and confident

A new pair of shoes, a fresh haircut and a backpack filled with supplies may seem like simple things, but for a child preparing to walk through the school doors, they can mean confidence, dignity and a brand-new start.

That was the heart behind the annual Stone County School Readiness Fair held Friday, Aug. 14, where 564 children and their families received back-to-school essentials and support from organizations, businesses, churches and volunteers throughout the community.

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According to Carrie Padilla, president of Unite Table Rock Lake and community liaison for the Stone County Health Department, more than 600 pairs of shoes were provided, 110 children received haircuts and 31 received physicals. Families also received clothing, backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products and connections to valuable community resources. Families were served a meal during the fair and received a food box to take home.

The event was held at New Testament Christian Church in Reeds Spring, which donated the use of its facility for the readiness fair. The space allowed participating organizations and volunteers to come together under one roof to serve hundreds of children and families.

“The Stone County School Readiness Fair is such a beautiful example of what can happen when an entire community comes together and simply says, ‘How can we help?’” Padilla said. “Behind every one of those numbers is a child who gets to walk into school in shoes that fit, with the supplies they need and hopefully feeling a little more confident. And behind that child is a parent or caregiver who left carrying one less burden.”

Padilla said the impact of the annual event is possible because no single group is responsible for meeting every need.

“No single organization could make this happen,” Padilla said. “It takes businesses, churches, organizations, volunteers and neighbors working side by side. That is what makes this event so special, it is truly our community taking care of our own and reminding families that they are seen, valued and supported.”

Laney Tatro, assistant director of Christian Action Ministries (CAM), said opening the pantry during the Stone County School Readiness Fair provided a new way for CAM to serve local families and share its client-choice pantry model.

“It was truly such a blessing to welcome our neighbors to the pantry, offering them a space of dignity and fellowship. We are so grateful to Unite Table Rock Lake for their continued partnership and allowing us to play a part in such an incredible event!” Tatro said.

Stone County Shoe Ministry Director Sabrina Hurtgen said children were able to choose new shoes in sizes ranging from toddler size 8 to men’s size 15, giving each child an opportunity to find shoes that fit while also experiencing the excitement and confidence that come with something new.

“It is a true blessing to watch the kids pick out new shoes and see the light in their eyes,” Hurtgen said. “They want to walk out wearing their new shoes and show them off because they are so excited. It is a blessing for all of our volunteers to see these kids leave feeling confident and not having to worry about whether they are going to fit in.”

Arising in Hope Clothing Outreach was also among the participating nonprofit organizations, providing clothing to children and families during the event. President Joelene Powell said opportunities such as the readiness fair are about more than meeting a physical need. They offer a chance to meet children right where they are while helping restore dignity, confidence and self-worth.

“When a child receives a new item or finds a first day-of-school outfit they love, something that fits and makes them feel good about themselves, you can see the difference,” Powell said. “We want to meet kids right where they are, restore dignity and self-worth and remind them they are seen, valued and worthy as they walk into a new school year.”

From shoes and school supplies to clothing, haircuts, health services and food, the Stone County School Readiness Fair once again showed the difference a community can make when it comes together to help children begin a new school year prepared, confident and supported.