County prepares for WeCareCannon event

The summer is quickly coming to a close. Kids have spent their weeks at camps and on vacations. Teachers have started organizing their classrooms. The start of school is just days away. In most communities, that is about the extent of it. But in Cannon County there is more to the story.

The end of this month, will bring about the 3rd annual WeCareCannon. The initiative was created and designed to bring about preparation for success for the school age children in Cannon County.

With a new school year approaching, a child has many, many needs. Sometimes, due to circumstances beyond their control, some children have a difficult time fulfilling these needs. When these needs are not met, academic growth, self esteem, and over all well being may suffer.

The intent of WeCareCannon is to make available supplies, services, and encouragement to all students in our community. Thus, helping fill needs and promoting a successful school year!

Fresh new backpacks, filled with age appropriate school supplies are supplied to each child that is present at WCC. Hygiene products, new shoes, and a weeks supply of underwear and socks are given as well. Hair stylists are on location to provide haircuts, and physicians and dentists are available to provide health screenings. The local chapter of the Lions Club give free vision screenings to the students as well.

All of these things are overshadowed however by the encouragement, kindness, and smiles that are awaiting the families and children by the over 150 volunteers that descend on Woodbury Grammar School to pull the event off. Volunteers from throughout the community come to handout supplies, provide their services, serve cold water on the hot July day, and some even hold the hands of the children as they make their way through the building.

Last month, many gathered at an event held in Houston Hills to raise funds to support the back-to-school initiative.

A Night in the Islands" featured a delicious meal from The Blue Porch, a live steel drum band, and a live auction. The night was full of fun, laughter, and lots of giving and loving guests. In the one evening alone, over $18,000 was raised to fund WeCareCannon.

In addition to the fundraiser, grants have been written and awarded to Cannon County Youth Dream, Inc. in an effort to further fund the supplies given out to the students. Additional donations are being gathered by local congregations to help with additional items, such as socks and school supplies.

WeCareCannon will take place Sunday, July 27 from 2pm until 5pm at Woodbury Grammar School. All Cannon County school age children, pre-k through 12th grade, are invited to come take advantage of the opportunity. The child must be present the day of the event.

If you are interested in volunteering, please email wecarecannon@gmail.com.
Cannon County should be proud! We are living out what they say..."It takes a village..."