Nicole June Reporting
njune@clarksvillenow.com
CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. – As families prepare to send their children back to school, some struggle with the financial burden of purchasing school supplies for their kids.
The Well, a ministry located at 224 Union Street, has helped address the needs of these children through the program known as Backpack Buddies. Local businesses, along with Trenton Crossing Church of Christ, gather supplies and monetary donations throughout the year to provide backpacks, supplies, and clothing.
About 570 backpacks were given within the first hour. Lyndon’s Salon Spa staff gave free haircuts, and the children also enjoyed face and nail painting. The ‘Clothes Closet’ was stocked with school clothes so each child could take home two bags.
“It’s so rewarding to be here and see the kids with their new haircuts,” said Marla Brown from Lyndon’s. She said she loves seeing familiar, happy faces each year.
Karen Nussbaumer, co-organizer of the event with Marla, hopes to attract more interest and donations next year. “We need help. It’s gotten bigger than we can handle,” she said. The backpacks ran out quickly this year, and the volunteers hope to accommodate the growing needs of the community.
“It’s amazing,” Karen said. “It will move anybody to see a child so happy to have a backpack and a haircut. I think it helps their self-esteem and it helps us, too.”
The event is sponsored by The Well, Lyndon’s Salon Spa, Eden’s Day Spa, Mann, Smith, and Cummings Insurance, and Trenton Crossing Church of Christ.