Back to School Bash offers relief and resources for Tri-Cities families
On August 18, families from across the Tri-Cities gathered at the HAPO Center in Pasco for the annual Back to School Bash — an event that came at just the right time for many. This free community event provided much-needed support, helping equip families to start the school year prepared.
Even before the event began, families arrived onsite, gathering in a line that stretched around the building. The purpose of the event, which has grown in size and partnership over many years, is to support local youth and families and help ease the financial burden many households face heading into the school year. The 2025 Back to School Bash served 556 families with a total of 2,475 individuals (a 20% increase from last year), providing backpacks, school supplies, and access to essential services — all at no cost.
In addition to checking school supplies off their list, attendees were connected to much-needed health and wellness services. Volunteer staff from Walgreens administered vaccines to 44 individuals. Alliance Women’s Health and other medical providers conducted sports physicals for 106 students. A team of more than 70 stylists from Paul Mitchel School in Richland gave haircuts to 160 youth. Stylists also handed out an additional 250 coupons for free haircuts.
The event was a collaboration between Lutheran Community Services Northwest (LCSNW), HAPO Community Credit Union, Tri-Cities Diversity and Inclusion Council, and Sozo Church. It was made possible with support from 37 vendors and 67 individuals who volunteered onsite. The following day, seven schools across the Tri-Cities also received a surprise donation of classroom school supplies, thanks to the generosity of this year’s sponsors and vendors.
“Every year, we see how much this means to families,” said Amy Marinoni, Advancement Manager at LCSNW. “This isn’t just about handing out supplies — it’s about making sure every child feels ready and supported, no matter their circumstances.”
We extend our sincere thanks to everyone who helped make this event possible — from the volunteers who guided students through supply stations to the organizations that provided services, resources, and reassuring smiles during the anxious back-to-school season. Your combined efforts and commitment made a meaningful difference in our community.
2025 Event Sponsors & Vendors:
- Hap Credit Union
- Hapo Center
- Mid-Columbia Libraries
- SOZO Church
- Tri-Cities Diversity and Inclusion Council
- Pasco Prevention Network
- Alliance Women’s Health
- Three Rivers Therapy
- Charter College
- Washington State PTA
- Cork’s Place Kid’s Grief Center
- Catholic Charities
- Children’s Developmental Center
- Master Gardeners (WSU Extension)
- Comprehensive Healthcare
- WA 211 / People for People
- Walgreeens
- Benton-Franklin Head Start
- Molina Healthcare
- Community Healthplan of Washington (CHPW)
- Coordinated Care
- Wellpoint
- Realty One
- Paul Mitchell School, Richland
- JustServe.org
- Children’s Reading Foundation
- Three Rivers Community Foundation
- Miss Juneteenth
- ESD 123
- New Vintage Church
- Recovery and Wellness Center
- BIG 95.7
- POWER 99.1
- Tri-Cities Community Health
- Richland Police Department
- YOU Medical
