Hope House’s annual Back to School Bash again brought the community together to prepare students for the year ahead. 

Held Aug. 23 at the Boundary County Fairgrounds, the event offered children free school supplies and shoes as well as have fun thanks to various bounce houses, games and a barbecue offered as part of the event. Organizers said this year’s bash gave away more than 300 backpacks and 125 pairs of shoes. 

“I want to personally thank this community for coming together to help get kids ready for school,” said Eli Pine, of the Hope House.  

The Back to School Bash is Hope House’s largest event of the year and fueled entirely by donations and volunteers. Sponsors this year included P1FCU, Mountain West Bank and the Innovia Foundation.  

Local businesses, organizations and individuals also stepped in to make the day possible. 

Larson’s worked to get children fitted with shoes, while Shelly Kramer and the Badger Boosters organized the food. Volunteers Lael Alexander, Cynthia Sanders and the Robotics team packed and distributed backpacks. Mark and Ginny Carpenter provided music, Sarah, Olive and Lora offered face painting, and Cub Scouts launched bottle rockets. 

Other contributions included Cole and Kim from Elmer’s Shaved Ice, who provided cool treats, and Sandpoint Party Jump, which supplied bounce houses. 

Hope House, a nonprofit managed by Pine and his wife, Anna, serves Boundary County families by providing clothing, food, hygiene items and household essentials for those in financial need. 

Those who would like to donate or volunteer can visit www.thehopehouse.us.