St. Joe’s Plaza in Palm Coast is about to host a familiar summer send-off again: a free back-to-school get-together that’s now in its fourth year. Before classes start, families can swing by for school supplies, haircuts, food, music, and a few extra perks meant to make the last stretch of summer feel like, well, summer.
Arah “Train” Williams puts the event together, and he traces the whole idea back to the neighborhood spirit he grew up around in Chicago. Back then, as school crept closer, the folks who had a bit more would pull together and throw something for the kids.
“We should just get together and make a big party out of it, you know, to take care of the kids,” Williams said. After moving to Palm Coast, he noticed most efforts were smaller and faster, more like quick handouts than an actual community day.
In his view, plenty of groups run “back to school dashes”, a couple of hours, some bags passed out, and everyone heads home. He wanted the opposite of a drive-through.
“It’s deeper than that,” he said. “I just felt like the kids need one little last push to enjoy the summer, receive something free, put a smile on their face, and just to motivate them for the upcoming year.”
Williams said he decided to run with it himself, and the turnout has gotten bigger each year. For him, the best part is watching the circle widen, more hands showing up, more people pitching in, and the event turning into something larger than one person’s plan.
What kids can expect
Williams describes the feel as closer to a parade than a giveaway, music in the background, kids spotting classmates, neighbors running into neighbors. “Palm Coast ain’t that big, so most of the kids know each other,” he said.
Free haircuts are set for 2 to 4 p.m., with barbers coming out to cut hair on site. There will also be backpacks stocked with school supplies, face painting, and time for kids to mingle and meet new faces. Plus, Scoops and Subs is providing 50 free scoops of ice cream.
Partners and vendors
A mix of local businesses and familiar community names are helping make it happen. Williams said a DJ who also works at Johnny D’s is returning, and a church on Matanzas will be involved with the music as well. Miss Alicia, the manager at Firehouse Subs, plans to bring finger foods. Stacy, who runs a Pilates studio, is partnering with another local owner, and several Roma Court business owners nearby are expected to set up tables and booths.
Dylana “Dee,” who is running for Palm Coast City Council, is also expected to stop by to greet families and help hand out supplies. Williams said people keep joining in, and even he doesn’t know exactly who will show up by the end. “It’s going to be a surprise to me who ends up coming, as surprised as you are,” he said.
How to donate
Donations are welcome right up to the day of the event, although Williams said it helps if items come in earlier so everything can be organized in advance.
“If they pull up with 10 book bags and put them behind our tent, we’re not gonna tell them, oh no, it’s too late,” he said.
Supplies can be dropped off at Tony’s Barbershop, Scoops and Subs, or Good Vibes. There’s also a phone number listed on the flyer for anyone who wants to arrange a pickup. The most needed items include paper, notebooks, and pencils. Williams said a teacher he spoke with also requested Kleenex and hand sanitizer.
All three drop-off spots are in St. Joe’s Plaza, close to the Ace Hardware on Palm Coast Parkway. Williams can be reached at 3862651470.
The post Free Haircuts, Backpacks, and Ice Cream, Palm Coast Gets Ready for a Fourth Back-to-School Party first appeared on Flagler County Buzz.
