Aurora Community Back to School Bash Supports Families

Shawntaya Dell, a resident of Aurora, looks forward to the support the Aurora Community Back to School Bash provides. With three children returning to school, the event helps ease the burden of school supply costs. Dell shared her thoughts at Wilder Park as the community gathered on a Sunday afternoon.

“This event is going to help with getting the school supplies,” Dell expressed while noting the change of venue from the original location. Despite the shift, she acknowledged the pleasant setting by the river but anticipated long waits.

The event was sponsored by Aurora Alderman Javier Banuelos from the 7th Ward, the African American Men of Unity, and the Community Center of Hometown. It moved from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Park due to soggy conditions, finding a new home at Wilder Park.

The 3½-hour gathering was packed with music, bounce houses, community resources, free food, games, and school supplies. It was initially started many years ago by the late Scheketa Hart-Burns, a long-serving City Council member. Today, Banuelos and others continue the tradition. Banuelos highlighted the event’s enduring popularity.

“We had a big crowd last year, but this one is also big,” he remarked, describing the pivot due to wet ground. “We decided on Saturday to change locations and shared this on social media.”

Banuelos emphasized the importance of providing school supplies to families, explaining that not everyone can afford them. He acknowledged support from the East Aurora School District and personal sponsorship efforts.

The event saw long lines for food and supplies, providing attendees like Ivan Ribas of Aurora time to reflect on the move. “This might be a blessing in disguise—we have a good location,” Ribas stated. He recognized the significance of these gatherings, indicating how essential they are for families struggling with school supply costs.

Kirsy Velasquez attended with her son Kairos Ortiz, 10, expressing gratitude for the event’s aid. “It’s a better way to get supplies,” she noted, as a single mother managing high school and younger children expenses. The event ensures some won’t need to make additional purchases.

David Sharos contributed to this report for The Beacon-News.