Augusta Dream Center’s back-to-school bash prepares pupils

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) - A back-to-bash put on by the Augusta Dream Center warmed many hearts Saturday.

Before the door even opened, there were 400 people already waiting, and the number of people attending just grew and grew.

Parents said they still had a few things to cross off the “to return to school” list.

“Clothes, shoes, back to school, supplies, you know, book bags, and even just a Bible,” said Danielle Ward.

Those at the Augusta Dream Center say their annual bash is a way to take away the financial stress that comes with the first day.

“The vision is really to empower kids in our city. So now I feel like it’s even more important than ever, just because of the economic comment here with inflation and everything, everything is expensive,” said Kelly Newman, director of the Augusta Dream Center.

Coming from a family with six children, Ava Grace Green, says she’s seen the struggle firsthand.

“Really helpful, because we have a super big family, like I have six siblings, so it’s super helpful to come and get some help with some of this stuff, especially going back to school, because it’s super successful,” Green said.

The rising ninth-grader says the bash is more than a blessing.

“Think it’s a big blessing to be able to come here and just feel ed like by your community, like you do when you’re here,” Green said.

And to feel loved and ed by the community was the goal.

“So our hope is that we can just be kind and just resource our community and help kids start the school year off strong,” said Newman.

“Not only help us, but even, you know, help many families as well. Because, you know, you don’t know where your blessings come from,” said Ward.

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