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(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) A visitor to Graham Up Graham in 2024 picks out a lunch bag to use for the new school year. The annual event distributes school supplies and other necessities for students at no charge. -
(ARCHIVE PHOTO | THE GRAHAM LEADER) Children hug a volunteer at the Graham Up Graham event held at Eastside Church of Christ in 2024. The back-to-school giveaway event will happen this year at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3.
Four local churches are banding together in August for Gear Up Graham, a back-to-school giveaway event aimed at helping families in need while building community.
The event will be held at 6 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 3 at the Eastside Church of Christ activity building located at 705 Indiana St.
Now in its 11th year, Gear Up Graham has grown into an annual event that has benefited many through the gifting of school supplies, backpacks and more, organizer Hannah Caddell said.
“It’s had a lot of life in years past. …We gave out 550 backpacks last year, so this year I planned for about that. I’m curious to see if we’ll have the same amount,” she said.
Those who attend the event will enjoy a worship night, hot dog supper and free snow cones, thanks to donations from local churches and businesses.
“United (Supermarkets) is donating all of our waters, and Sonic (Drive-in) is donating all of the boats for the hot dogs as well as the buns,” Caddell said.
Four churches are coming together to make this event possible: Eastside Church of Christ, Cornerstone Methodist Church, Safehouse Church and Heritage Methodist Church.
Youth groups from these churches will also be involved, playing an active role by preparing food, passing out backpacks, leading worship and spending time with attendees.
“I would like to look out and not know who’s from what church. Who’s serving and who’s being served. That’s the goal,” Caddell said.
But more than just meeting physical needs, the event’s goal is to offer spiritual ‘plugging in.’
“Our goal is that people come to this event and leave with a church family,” Caddell said. “Different churches are for different people, so (by) including more churches, more people will go.”
In previous years there registration was required with times for groups to pick up supplies. This year, it is just show up, grab a backpack, enjoy a meal and take part in fellowship.
“We want this to be fun,” Caddell said. “Any time that you come into a new place, it can be intimidating. So, this year we’re wanting to have smiles on our faces and talk to everyone.”
