We offer a very special "thank you!" to everyone who participated in the 2010 Red Wagon Back-2-School Bash, especially our sponsors, donors and volunteers. More than 2,500 people attended this special free event. Together, we distributed thousands of diapers, school supplies, treats, toys and child care items.

This year's event was held at the Battle Creek Family Y Center on Saturday, Aug. 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. It was designed especially for local families with kids ages 0-10. It also marked the end of our successful 2010 Stuff-A-Bus Campaign (read more about the campaign). Participating families enjoyed:

• Live musical entertainment
• Free school supplies
• Carnival games for children
• Face-painting and clowns
• Resources for infants and young kids
• Free refreshments and much more!

And it was all free! Many local businesses and organizations were also on hand to share school materials and program information. To learn more about next year's event, or to volunteer your time, please call (269) 969-9181.

What is the Red Wagon Program?

The Red Wagon Back-2-School Bash is part of a larger grass-roots collaboration between neighborhood and community organizations. Together, we are committed to improving the conditions for local children - especially children whose families are experiencing unstable employment, transient living conditions, lack of affordable child care and cultural or language barriers to success.

Red Wagon takes its inspiration from the America's Promise Alliance, founded by retired Gen. Colin Powell. It's a growing national network of citizens, businesses, non-profit agencies, foundations and faith-based groups who ave committed themselves to fulfilling Five Promises to America's children.

Here are the Five Promises: Every child in American will have...

1. Caring Adults in their lives, such as parents, teachers, mentors, coaches and neighbors
2. Safe Places that offer constructive activities when young people are not in school
3. A Healthy Start - healthy bodies, healthy minds and healthy habits
4. Effective Education - intellectual development, motivation and skills that equip them for successful work and life-long learning
5. Opportunities to Help Others, so we can all make a positive difference in families, schools and the community at large.

We invite you to get involved in the Red Wagon program as we move forward to fulfill these Five Promises. To learn more, please call (269) 969-9181. Or click here to send an e-mail message. Join us!