As the first day of school approaches, ReMerge is asking the community to help ensure 300 Oklahoma City children have the supplies they need to start the year prepared.
The nonprofit’s annual Back to School Bash, set for Aug. 1, will provide backpacks filled with grade-appropriate school supplies for children of mothers participating in ReMerge’s diversion and recovery program. The event will also include family activities and community organizations offering resources and services.
“These mothers are working hard to rebuild their lives and create brighter futures for their children,” ReMerge CEO Erin Engelke said in a statement. “Community support helps ensure their kids can begin the school year with the tools they need to succeed.”
The need remains significant. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, nearly one in five Oklahoma children lives at or below the federal poverty level, while national surveys estimate families spend hundreds of dollars per child on back-to-school supplies each year.
ReMerge is seeking businesses, churches, civic groups and individuals to help make the event possible. Supporters can donate new backpacks and school supplies, contribute financially to purchase supplies in bulk, host supply drives or volunteer during the event.
The organization is also inviting community partners to host resource tables during the Back to School Bash, connecting participating families with local services.
ReMerge is a nonprofit pretrial diversion program serving high-risk, high-need mothers facing felony charges in Oklahoma County and surrounding communities. Through treatment, recovery and support services, the organization works to strengthen families while reducing incarceration and breaking cycles of poverty.
For more information about donating or volunteering, visit ReMerge’s website or contact Communications & Volunteer Coordinator Carrie Chlebanowski at cchlebanowski@remergeok.org or 405-208-7204. Visit emergeok.org