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As the days melt off the summer calendar, parents throughout Cumberland County know the time when they must trade flip-flops and sunscreen for lunch boxes and three-ring binders grows closer. Soon, the dreaded school supply lists will start circulating around Target, Walmart and grocery stores, sending local parents into a frenzy.
For some, the color-coded folders and index cards bear no additional financial stress; for others, the notoriously picky lists will be placed in the queue next to a growing number of items that have become increasingly expensive.
North Carolina gas prices still hover around $4 per gallon, and the price of groceries continues to increase; many families will struggle to secure the school supplies their students need to start the year.
To remedy this concern and ease some of the hardship associated with this time of the year, Segra Stadium is partnering with over 22 organizations to hand out school supplies to students across Cumberland County from 6-9 p.m. at the event on Aug. 5.
Up & Coming Weekly spoke to Kristen Nett, Community and Media Relations Manager for the Fayetteville Woodpeckers, about the event and its importance within the community.
“I knew a ton of ‘Back to School’ events happening all over the city,” she explained. “So instead of duplicating, I decided to bring all those efforts together. Our big goal is to partner with people who share the same goals — that‘s really important to us.”
The family-friendly event will entertain guests with games, a kid zone, batting cages and face painting — all free to those in attendance. Additionally, the stadium’s concession stands will be open and offer food and beverages available to purchase. “We want families to stay and have fun, enjoy time with each other,” Nett said.
To prepare for August’s event, fans can donate school supplies during games from July 26 — July 31 in exchange for a voucher which can be redeemed for a discounted $7 ticket. The ticket is good for any game left in the 2022 season. Public donations will be accepted until Aug. 5.
Nett expressed her excitement over the forthcoming event and why projects like these are close to the organization’s heart.
“We are a multimillion-dollar business and can use our platform to come into this community and make a serious difference. It’s very important to me that we equal the playing field and provide opportunities to people regardless of socioeconomic status. School is starting soon, and some people simply don’t have the resources — we want to bridge that gap.”
Families must register to participate, and supplies will be given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Segra Stadium is located at 460 Hay St. in downtown Fayetteville.
To register for the event, visit https://forms.office.com/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=bLr1ayMS-0aHO5q1XAC9JFug2voy1hFAl18UB_YKCyJUQTMzVjJCWkJJREFTNFZOTEtRRkQzQjVCTC4u.
To donate, email Kristen Nett at knett@astros.com.
To learn more about the Woodpeckers, visit www.fayettevillewoodpeckers.com/.