CADILLAC – A new school year is just around the corner, and to help families prepare, the Cadillac YMCA is hosting its annual back-to-school carnival.
This year’s carnival will be held outside on the grounds of the YMCA. Activities will be available from 4-7pm on Thursday, August 18.
Director of Membership and Marketing Bob Reddick said the YMCA decided to expand the reach of the carnival by including local organizations and resources, such as OASIS, Michigan State University Extension and District Health Department No. 10. Much of the event’s schedule is similar to its predecessors, but Reddick said the involvement of local bodies is brand new this year.
“I think the hope is that families walk away with resources to make the school year easier, to give them a little more tools in their tool bag, to be able to parent their kids better , he said.
To ease the financial burden that comes with preparing for a new school year, the YMCA and its carnival co-organizer, the Wexford Missaukee Manistee Great Start Collaborative, are donating more than 150 backpacks to families in need of supplies.
Families can take some clothing to school at the carnival clothing exchange. Reddick said the clothes are free for those who need them, or families can drop off old clothes in exchange for new ones.
As part of an upcoming partnership with the Cadillac Area Community Foundation and the United Way, the YMCA will also donate gift certificates to families in need of a new pair of school shoes.
Reddick said other activities for the event include carnival games, prizes and a bounce house. There is no cost of admission and YMCA membership is not necessary for participation.
Although the YMCA is an organization that caters to the entire community, Reddick said they are well connected to the schools in the community. Many parents rely on their after-school programs to socialize their children and keep them active outside of the classroom.
When the school year is in full swing, Reddick said more than 70 Cadillac-area public school students are shuttled to the YMCA each day to eat a healthy snack, get homework help and engage with their peers.
“The ultimate goal is for our kids to learn self-responsibility, become more socially aware and really know that someone is in their corner who cares about them and loves them,” he said.
