PART OF BASH — The lines nearly stretched the entire length of the Seventh Street Plaza Thursday morning, as parents and guardians accompanied their children to this year’s annual Back-to-School Bash, presented by Urban Mission Ministries. In addition to receiving free school supplies, attendees had an opportunity to have their face painted by volunteers from the Sycamore Youth Center, receive information about local agencies and pick up their pre-ordered shoes through the United Sole program and distributed by the United Way of Jefferson County and the Cardinal Operating Co. -- Julie Stenger

STEUBENVILLE — Hundreds of area children will be able to start their school year with fresh supplies, thanks to the efforts of one local nonprofit organization.

Parents and guardians joined students ranging in age from kindergarten through 12th grade at the Urban Mission’s annual Back-to-School Bash, held Thursday morning in the parking lot of the Seventh Street Plaza.

According to Cynthia Lytle, the mission’s director of programs and community engagement, the nonprofit sought help with donations from the community so it could accommodate the approximately 850 children who took part in the giveaway.

The event has been held for more than 20 years, Lytle noted, adding the last three years have seen around the same amount of students from all area school districts.

“The back-to-school bash exemplifies the positive spirit within our community,” Lytle continued. “Agencies dedicate their time to connect these students and families to the vital resources and local businesses they need. Our residents have generously donated to help support this cause. Our collective efforts demonstrate the power of collaboration. We are proud to serve our community in this way, and to assist families in providing their children with the necessary school supplies for a successful school year.”

FRESH SUPPLIES — Shaylee Bezak, a volunteer with the TRIO Upward Bound program, assisted Urban Mission Ministers during Thursday’s annual Back-to-School Bash, held in the Seventh Street Plaza parking lot. Bezak helped place scissors, markers, crayons, pencils and glue sticks inside the backpacks of pupils entering kindergarten through fourth grades. Among those collecting supplies were, from left, Jace and Jimmy Selman of Weirton, and Judah Selman, who accompanied his older siblings. -- Julie Stenger

Lytle said 15 volunteers assisted at various posts during the three hours the event was held. More than 20 community agencies were on site, offering information about their services.

One of those volunteers was Shaylee Bezak of the TRIO Upward Bound program.

Bezak explained this is her first year volunteering at the bash, although others in her program have come every year.

“I like it, I think it’s fun,” she said while assisting those in kindergarten through fourth grade with putting their supplies inside their bookbags. “I love being able to support the community.”

Among those at the bash were representatives from the Public Library of Steubenville and Jefferson County.

Library officials brought the bookmobile to the bash, and handed out pencils, utensils and straws to students, along with offering an opportunity to register for its newsletter, which contains information about events and activities available at its branches.

Representatives of the United Way of Jefferson County and officials from the Cardinal Operating Co. were on hand to represent the United Sole program. This program is used by low-income families who complete an application to receive a free pair of shoes for each school-age child in the home.

Marci Snyder-Crawford, executive director of the United Way, stated, “This is my first time here. It is just fantastic what they are doing to make the first day of school a success for these students.”

Kirk Murray, standard work specialist with the Cardinal Operating Co., agreed.

“This is something that definitely benefits the community and helps younger children, especially,” he said.

United Sole is an annual program offered to eligible households. Officials from the United Way and Cardinal plant distribute hundreds of pairs of shoes during the August bash.

Cookie West was among those attending the bash, speaking with parents about Special Connections.

“This is a blessing to be able to come engage with the community and share with families information about Special Connections,” West said. “Our mission is to provide an inclusive and connected network of supports. All people, regardless of disability, deserve the opportunity for a full and satisfying life in their community. Special Connections is dedicated to creating fun and memorable events geared toward those with disabilities, although everyone is welcome.”

Special Connections includes representatives from Special Needs Parents Support in the Ohio Valley, Crossroads Christian Church and the Jefferson County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

Beth Rupert-Warren of the Jefferson County Resource Network walked through the crowd telling families about the website and distributing her business card should they have questions.

Rupert-Warren was using her phone to demonstrate the app, which can be downloaded free of charge and provides listings of resources available throughout the community — help families might need but might not know where they can obtain it.

Students waited in long lines to collect the items being given away this year, including backpacks, college and wide-ruled notebooks, college and wide-ruled filler paper, two-pocket folders, composition notebooks, No. 2 pencils, pens, a 24-pack of crayons, a 10-pack of markers, colored pencils, glue sticks, glue bottles, safety scissors and dry-erase markers.

“This would not have been possible today without the community’s support,” Lytle stated, noting her appreciation to everyone involved, including Ascent Resources, Gulfport Energy Corp., the Steubenville Martin Luther King Jr. Association and Voto Manufacturers Sales Co. of Steubenville.”

“Our goal today, with the backpacks and supplies, is to ensure our students felt loved, welcomed and supported by our community,” Lytle said.