Back 2 School Festival Urgently Needs Volunteers and Donations to Support Watauga County Students

BOONE, NC — July 2025 — The Back 2 School Festival is just weeks away, and organizers
are calling on the community to help make this year’s event a success. The Festival will take
place on Saturday, August 9, 2025 at Watauga High School, providing free school supplies,
backpacks, shoes, haircuts, and other essentials to hundreds of local students.

“This event is completely run by volunteers, and we can’t pull it off without the help of our
community,” said Volunteer Coordinator Suzy Greene. “The Festival relies on nearly 400 volunteers over three days — from setting up, to serving students, to packing everything back up.”

While every shift is essential, Greene notes that Saturday afternoon roles are especially in
need, particularly for supply distribution and cleanup.

Volunteers can view all available roles and sign up at www.back2schoolfest.org.

“This is truly a community effort,” said Media Coordinator Anna Floyd.
“So many families in need of extra support in our area have come to rely on us to help alleviate the cost of back-to-school shopping. It takes hundreds of volunteers to set up, get everyone through quickly and efficiently on Festival day, and then break everything down once the event wraps up. It’s a massive
undertaking — and we need all the help we can get.”

In addition to volunteer support, the Festival still needs to raise about $75,000 to ensure every
student receives the supplies they need.

“Whether it’s $10 or $1,000, all donations go directly to our Watauga County
students. We’re deeply grateful for the support this community gives year after
year.,” said Festival Coordinator and Board President Kendra Sink.
“We still have donation buses parked at First National Bank and Peak Insurance, and donations
can also be made online.”

To volunteer, donate, or check your school’s pickup schedule, visit www.back2schoolfest.org.