BEAM Back to School event serves hundreds of students

Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry (BEAM) held the 26th annual Back to School event Aug. 3 at Beach Church and served nearly 800 local students.
The event provided gently-used clothing items, as well as new books, school supplies and food.
Participants were guided through a series of stations. These stations included an area with eight “vendors” in the courtyard, who provided information and instruction to parents on various topics such as childhood asthma and the dangers of dog bites.
The three days preceding the event were a whirlwind of preparation on the part of more than 200 volunteers. Some came by themselves, but others from organizations such as Beaches Chamber and Target.
The volunteers sorted all clothing donations by gender and size to allow for efficient shopping.
Deb Monte, a 22-year volunteering veteran at this event, describes this as the key to cultivating the right energy.
“You have to make it feel like a shopping event," she said. "The kids get to come in and pick out items which gives them a sense of pride and ownership.”
Many high schoolers use this event to collect volunteer hours. Parents often use the occasion to introduce young children to volunteering.
Monte emphasizes that there is a job for everyone. Their youngest generation of volunteers are utilized as “shoppers,” who assist parents who might have more than one child to shop for by selecting clothing items. Additionally, the children sort school supplies.
Many volunteers return year after year. Even graduated high school kids who have already fulfilled their obligatory requirements come back to offer their services.