Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry will host its 2026 Back to School Bash from 1:30 to 4 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at the Carver Center, 777 Fifth Ave. South in Jacksonville Beach, to help local students and families start the school year prepared.
The event is first-come, first-served, and organizers are encouraging families to arrive early. It will include free school supplies, backpacks, food and music.
BEAM is partnering with the city of Jacksonville Beach and Ocean City Church on the event, which is designed to ease the financial burden many families face during the back-to-school season. Last year, BEAM's back-to-school programs helped 900 local students.
"Back-to-school season should be filled with excitement, not stress," said Jeff Winkler, BEAM's chief executive officer. "For many families, the cost of school supplies, clothing and other essentials can be difficult to manage. We are happy to continue providing these supplies for our community's students and families as we have since 1994."
The Back to School Bash began more than 30 years ago after a lack of clothing storage space inspired former BEAM board member Karen Wolfson to organize a one-day shopping event for families. That first event drew 35 volunteers and served about 250 people, launching what became BEAM's first organized program beyond emergency assistance.
"Every student deserves to start the school year prepared and confident," said Jacksonville Beach Mayor Chris Hoffman.
"The Back to School Bash shows the strength of our partnerships and the shared commitment of BEAM, the city of Jacksonville Beach, Ocean City Church and the Carver Center to support local families."
Community members can help by volunteering or donating. Contact Sandy Jenkin at sandy@jaxbeam.org or Latoya Thomas at the Carver Center, 904-270-1614.
Since 1985, BEAM has helped Beaches-area neighbors facing hardship find support, stability and hope. The organization provides emergency rent and utility assistance, food pantry services, senior support, single-parent programming and other services to meet basic needs and prevent homelessness. For more information, visit jaxbeam.org.
