On Saturday, August 18, I got the wonderful opportunity to attend the back-to-school "Book Bash" hosted by the YMCA at Gateway Village. Children from local downtown neighborhood elementary schools and YMCA Community Development Programs were able to come and get the supplies needed for the rigorous school year ahead of them. The supplies were donated by many community members who dropped off books, bookbags, and more to the Gateway Village YMCA for distribution.

Upon walking into the event I was overwhelmed by the abundance of people there. You would have thought that with all the people there might not have been enough supplies to go around, but I hardly saw anyone with out a book bag or something scholastic related in their hands. Also while walking around the event I noticed how uplifted everyone’s attitude seemed to be.

I got to sit down with the Johnson family and talk to them about their day at the Book Bash. Mrs. Johnson brought her seven year old daughter Toya and her ten year old son James to the event so that they could get the much needed school supplies before school started. "I’m so grateful for this; as a single parent, this helps out a lot," says Mrs. Johnson.

Aside from happy parents were even happier children. Numerous games and activities were set up for the children so they could enjoy themselves. Everywhere I looked I noticed the smiles of each child and I couldn’t help but smile myself.

Saturday’s Book Bash turn out was amazing. It’s great that our community is so supportive of one another and that the YMCA was able to put on this event focused on literacy, reading and helping one’s neighbor. Hopefully we will continue to uplift and support each other whenever possible and that there are many more Book Bashes to come!
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This story was written by the YMCA of Greater Charlotte's Marketing summer intern, Martika Bigham. Martika will be a senior next year at Garinger High School. She has an interest in journalism and communications and will be writing several articles based on her experiences at the YMCA this summer.