6^th Annual Back-to-School Celebration

The Neighborhood Family Center is extremely grateful to Stuart McPherson and Jimmy Thomas owners of Thomas-McPherson Salon.  Through their outstanding efforts the first Back-to-School Fundraiser, benefiting our Back-to-School program, collected over $13,000.   These funds allowed the Neighborhood Family Center to provide backpacks and supplies to over 1000 school children in Safety Harbor, Oldsmar and our surrounding communities.   In 2006 we distributed 400 backpacks to children in need.

On August 13, 2007 over 75 individuals volunteered their time at the Backpack Stuffing held at Countryside Cathedral.  It was incredible watching the community members, businesses, faith based groups, community policing officers, City of Safety Harbor staff/officials/fire department, youth and providers come together to stuff backpacks for children in need.  Our special thanks go to Nadine Nickeson, Commissioner of Safety Harbor for being a vital part of this year’s event. She took on the responsibility of coordinating volunteers with event positions and spending every free moment of her time helping the Neighborhood Family Center in anyway possible.

On August 18, 2007 the Safety Harbor Neighborhood Family Center hosted its 6^th Annual Back-to-School Celebration.   The event was held at Countryside Cathedral Church of God in Safety Harbor Florida.  Thanks to Malisa Jernigan and Patty Kent for serving as runners and providing their help in every way.  Approximately 2000 people attended this year’s celebration. 

Three students and one instructor from Sunstate Beauty Academy provided their services cutting and styling the children’s hair.  The students and instructor never stopped cutting hair until the last child was served.  Sylvan Learning Center provided scholarships to three local children. The value of each scholarship was valued at $1700.  Pepsi provided an in-kind donation of 20 cases of soda and the use of the Pepsi concession trailer. Harborside Community Church provided over 150 pairs of new shoes that were distributed to elementary aged children. Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office fingerprinted children and also brought the Peacekeeper Tank to event.  And, the City of Safety Harbor Fire Department thrilled many with their big red trucks. 

The Neighborhood Family Center also received donations of school supplies and/or financial assistance from the following: Rotary Club of Safety Harbor, Kiwanis Club of Safety Harbor, Firmenich, Mercury Medical Supplies, L & M Office Supplies, Target Store, Heritage United Methodist Church, Espiritu Santos Catholic Church, Harborside Community Church, American Legion, Staywell Health Care, Citrus Health Care, local businesses and many community members.