August 19 School Supply Giveaway Party at the Jonnycake Center of Westerly

Wood River Health and the Jonnycake Center of Westerly join to help parents

Washington County-area non-profit organizations, including the Jonnycake Center of Westerly and Wood River Health have announced that they are partnering for a back-to-school supply giveaway party benefitting local children in need. 

This second annual event will take place on Saturday, August 19 from 10am to noon in the Jonnycake Center of Westerly’s rear parking lot at 23 Industrial Drive in Westerly. The event is sponsored in part by Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island. 

After recognizing the importance of school preparedness, local organizations have come together for a second year to provide children with backpacks, school supplies, and educational items to ensure the school year starts strongly for all. Musical entertainment will be provided by WBLQ AM 1230, and there will also be games, face painting, craft tables and a visit by a firetruck! 

Families are invited to the event at the Jonnycake Center of Westerly’s rear parking lot at 23 Industrial Drive on Saturday, August 19 between 10am and noon to receive a free backpack that comes filled with essentials needed for school. The backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.  

“Knowing how critically important education is to all children within our community, it is vital that we come together to support them in any way we can,” said Lee Eastbourne, Jonnycake Center of Westerly Executive Director. “The school supply giveaway party provides a great opportunity for families to save on the items required to ensure the year starts wonderfully. We are excited to offer this giveaway to the community, and we are deeply grateful to all who have made this year’s event possible.” 

“Our vision is for every member of our community to experience physical, emotional and social well-being,” shared Alison Croke, President and CEO of Wood River Health. “This is why we partner with the Jonnycake Center every year for this critical initiative. Every child should have access to the tools and resources they require to thrive in school.” 

For any questions about the event, please call (401) 377-8069 and select Option 1, or email socialservices@jonnycake.org. 

Participants and sponsors of the Saturday, August 19, 2023 backpack supply party include:

·       Jonnycake Center of Westerly: jonnycake.org

·       Wood River Health: WoodRiverHealth.org

·       Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island: nhpri.org

·       The Washington Trust Company: washtrust.com

·       Westerly Fire Department: westerlyfire.com

·       WBLQ 1230 AM: wblq.net 

About The Jonnycake Center of Westerly

The Jonnycake Center of Westerly’s mission is to provide a continuum of services in cooperation with other agencies in our service area to assist people through crisis situations and work with each individual to find a path out of dependency toward self-sufficiency. For more information, visit jonnycake.org, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram, or call (401) 377-8069. 

About Wood River Health 

Since 1976, Wood River Health has delivered medical, dental and social services to the communities of southwestern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut. Its mission is to provide its patients with high-quality and affordable health care services through a compassionate, team-based approach. Its vision is for every member of its community to experience physical, emotional and social well-being. 

A private, non-profit Community Health Center, Wood River Health is devoted to providing quality patient care to over 8,600 patients. It is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Wood River Health receives funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas.