Churches unite to host back-to-school block party for students in Leechburg

A new scholastic-themed street party is coming to Leechburg.

The inaugural Back 2 School Block Party will welcome students from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday along Main Street, between First and Second streets, for free food, refreshments, games and more.

Music will be provided by DJ Jonathan.

The event is sponsored by the Leechburg Ministerial Association.

“We want to serve the community,” said the Rev. Sue Washburn of Cross Roads Community Presbyterian Church. “We wanted to make sure kids had supplies before school, and we are not going to turn anybody away.”

Participating Leechburg-area churches collaborating to organize and host the event include Cross Roads, First Lutheran Church, Leechburg First United Methodist, Hebron Lutheran, Forks Zion Lutheran and Christ the King Parish.

Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic during the event.

Leechburg Councilwoman Doreen Smeal, who will run unopposed for mayor in the fall, said the focus on unity is a priority.

“It’s important because it gives the children a sense of community. I think it helps to relieve some back-to-school jitters by being with each other, and it builds on the excitement,” she said. “Council and the fire department have been very helpful with closing the street and helping with the safety for all.”

Attendees will receive free school swag bags — made possible by the efforts of volunteers from the six churches that comprise the Leechburg Ministerial Association.

Free school supplies will include tissue packs, pencils, erasers, crayons, colored pencils, glue sticks and vouchers for new backpacks.

The event is geared for students 10 and younger but is open to anyone, regardless of school district.

“I would love to see the community coming together, enjoying each other and helping the kids,” Washburn said.

Volunteer Donna Cline of Gilpin plans to run the hydration station.

“I think it’s awesome, and I like the idea of supporting the children,” she said.

Leechburg Area School District Superintendent Tiffany Nix praised religious organizers for working together to provide a new event to get students excited about returning to school.

“This is such a great idea to celebrate a new school year. The Leechburg Ministerial Association is so giving and such an asset to our community. I truly appreciate all of their effort, time and generosity,” Nix said.

Activities will include rescue dogs, face painting, story time, outdoor games, cookies with Leechburg police, fire truck rides courtesy of the Leechburg Volunteer Fire Company and a fire safety house.

Complimentary foods will include hot dogs, popcorn, beverages, nachos and freeze pops.

Donations will be accepted for the PATH program, a food program that provides weekend food bags to Leechburg Area students.

If the weather doesn’t cooperate, organizers will announce a change of venue Friday to Christ the King’s fellowship hall in Gilpin.

“It’s been especially wonderful with all the churches working together to bring this about,” Smeal said. “The Leechburg Ministerium wants to be a part of the community, and they’re showing it by this event.”

To RSVP, visit servinggodgracefully.net/bts.