SHELBY — A Shelby church is helping local students prepare for the upcoming school year.
First Lutheran Church will host its annual Back to School Carnival on Thursday from 4 to 6 p.m. at 33 Broadway St. in Shelby. This free community event features activities, games and complimentary items for children and families of all ages.
The carnival is open to the public and will take place rain or shine.
Free school supplies will be distributed to local students, including backpacks, calculators, earbuds, crayons, markers, glue, pencils, folders and binders.
The event was first launched in 2023 after Director of Children’s Programming Sarah Martin and Brian Crum, the church’s treasurer/office manager, determined the time was right to launch a new community event.
Hosting an event that would be timely and help with back-to-school preparations was the goal.
“Community events are our identity,” Martin said previously. “It’s not about ourselves, or how much money we can raise. It’s about what we can do for others and, in the process, help draw community members to our congregation.”
Children will have opportunities to participate in various carnival games and win prizes.
Additionally, bounce houses will be on-site for added entertainment. There will be complimentary hot dogs, popcorn, nachos and other treats for folks to enjoy.
For more information about the Back to School Carnival, visit www.flcshelby.org or contact the church office at 419-347-7675.