Farmington, Lincoln Bonanzas Prepare Students For School

Community leaders in Farmington and Lincoln are prepared to help hundreds of children start school next month with two back to school events scheduled for the same day, Thursday, Aug. 6.

The Lincoln Back to School Bonanza, sponsored by Central United Methodist Church of Lincoln, will be held 4-7 p.m. at the community building on Lincoln square. It is free for Lincoln students going into kindergarten through seventh grade.

The 10th Farmington Back to School Bonanza, sponsored by Farmington United Methodist Church, will be held 4:30-7:30 p.m. at the Methodist Church, 355 Southwinds Drive in Farmington.

Farmington's Bonanza also is free and is open to all students entering kindergarten-12th grade, regardless of income, address or school district.

Last year, about 225 children received free haircuts, socks and shoes and backpacks in Lincoln. The number of students served has gone up each year, said Gary Lunsford, church pastor.

This year, the Bonanza will provide backpacks, socks, shoes, haircuts and ID cards from Washington County Sheriff's Office. The event also includes free dental screenings and toothbrushes and toothpaste. Lincoln Public Library will give out pencils and bookmarks.

"Although the church sponsors this, it is a community event," Lunsford said. "Without the community support, it would be tough."

All who help with the Bonanza volunteer their time. Volunteers include students, Lincoln Area Kiwanis Club, hair stylists, dentists and members of other organizations or groups.

Farmington's Back to School Bonanza helped more than 550 children last year, representing 19 school districts. Most of the children came from Farmington, Prairie Grove, Fayetteville and Springdale but some came from as far away as Huntsville, Harrison and Watts, Okla.

Mary Jane Silva, who coordinates Farmington's Bonanza, already has received a call from a mom in Westville, Okla., asking if her children can come to the event.

This year, children can receive free tennis shoes and socks, backpacks with a few supplies, underwear, haircuts, dental and vision screenings and kindergarten physicals.

Like Lincoln's Bonanza, all who help in Farmington volunteer their time. Some of the volunteers include students, Boy Scouts, members of other churches, hair stylists and area doctors and dentists.

Farmington has a long list of community groups either helping to fund the event or serve as volunteers. The church received new grants this year from Casey's General Store, Walmart Neighborhood Market in Farmington and Walmart Optical Lab in Fayetteville.

"I just appreciate everyone's support and the way the community pulls together," Silva said.

She is expecting to serve 550-600 children this year.

"Hopefully, whoever needs will come," Silva added.