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Students in Redlands stock up on school supplies at party in the park
Redlands knows how to throw a party. Just days before the start of school, hundreds gathered at Sylvan Park for a fun-filled event that combined games, resources, and community engagement.
For over a decade, the Back2School Jam, hosted by Micah House and the Redlands Police Department, has prepared youth to start the school year strong.
Nearly 300 people lined up before the event began, stretching halfway around the block. They were eagerly waiting for the Micah House to open and distribute backpacks and school supplies.
The Redlands Police Department set up several booths, featuring forensics displays, a SWAT vehicle, and a mobile book trailer. The Redlands Police Officers Association BBQ truck served 500 hotdogs and hamburgers. The Explorers staffed the bike raffle table, where a few lucky kids won new bicycles.
Families and kids enjoyed a variety of activities, from jumping in a pile of bubbles and crafting at the Home Depot booth to learning about gardening and picking out free books from the Common Vision Coalition, led by Council Member Mario Saucedo and Maria Whitaker-Saucedo. Saucedo shared, "We love being out here, serving and being part of the community."
Other local groups also set up booths to share information and connect with attendees. Portrait Church introduced themselves as newcomers to the area, Cub Scout Pack 226 invited families to explore their program, and Smiley Library shared about their events.
One of the highlights was the free haircuts offered by Street Shave volunteers. Founder Joshua Masih, who started the nonprofit to help those in need with haircuts, emphasized the importance of a fresh look for the first day of school.
“Kids only have that one chance to make a first impression. A fresh haircut lets them hold their head a little higher,” Masih said.
With 30 volunteers, some coming from as far as Palm Desert, the group aimed to give 100 haircuts during the event. By the end of the two-hour event, they had given 136 kids a new look.
Redlands Unified School District Nutritional Services also participated, with Amy Shephard and Anthony Saldana handing out pizza and vegetables.
More than 30 community organizations came out to support the students and their families.
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