CULLMAN – Several local organizations are coming together to support students who need help with school supplies. Bearcat GROWLS (Growing Resources for Our Winning Local Schools), an event whose organizers hope will become an annual one, will take place at Depot Park on Saturday, Aug. 13 from 3-7 p.m.
There will be live music by Avenue G throughout the event, and fun activities for kids as well.
“Admission to the event is a donation of new school supplies, such as packs of pencils or pens, notebooks, etc. Basically anything you might be picking up for your own children for school,” said Mary Hovater, one of the event’s sponsors. “We will also have homemade baked goods and goodies from Jim ‘N Nick’s and water for those who donate to get into the event, while they last.”
Other sponsors, as of press time, include Office Equipment, Cullman Rotary Club, Cullman Community Lions Club and Cullman Heritage Funeral Home. There will also be many nonprofits and local schools participating by setting up information tables for attendees to get a better idea of what each of them do and how community members can get involved.
“The idea (for Bearcat GROWLS) evolved from a group of us moms in the Cullman Band Boosters talking about wishing we could do something for the kids and families that need help, as we know very well how expensive school supplies have gotten,” said Hovater. “LaTonya Boike of Avenue G said they could play for an event, and Leeanna Smith said she would cook and I agreed to start making calls and get sponsors and participants. Everything else is history. It all just fell into place after that.”
Monetary donations will also be accepted. Depot Park is located at 309 First Ave. NE.
