Smiles, fresh haircuts, new backpacks and plenty of excitement filled Twin Lakes Food Bank on Friday as nearly 400 local students received the supplies and encouragement they need to begin the new school year with confidence during the organization’s annual Back 2 School Extravaganza.
Open to registered Twin Lakes Food Bank guests, the annual event welcomed students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. Each child left with a new backpack filled with grade-appropriate school supplies, along with back-to-school groceries, hygiene kits, gift cards, books and other essentials designed to help families start the school year on a positive note.
The event offered much more than school supplies. Throughout the morning, children enjoyed free haircuts from Lucky’s Barbershop and Elizabeth House Salon, face painting provided by Bayside Folsom volunteers, frozen treats from Micron and Chick-fil-A sandwiches. Twin Lakes Food Bank Garden Coordinator Michelle led an interactive garden activity, while Spider-Man and Bubbles the Clown spent the morning greeting children, posing for photos and creating memorable moments for families.
As children moved from station to station collecting supplies and enjoying the activities, Twin Lakes Food Bank Executive Director Lisa Tuter reflected on what she witnessed throughout the morning.
“Today was so much more than gifting students with backpacks,” Tuter said. “A little girl saw the glitter princess face paint on her cheek in the mirror and lit up. I watched one boy’s smile grow wider and wider as he visited each station, and left with a backpack, a haircut, a full stomach, and the sense that someone saw him. That’s what made today extraordinary — kids were seen and celebrated.”
The event also served as a gathering place for community organizations working together to support local families. Participating partners included Inductive Automation, Micron, Folsom’s Book Bank, National Charity League and the Folsom Police Department. Representatives from Vynca, Folsom’s Hope, Harbor Church and the Folsom Police Department were also on hand throughout the event, connecting parents with additional resources and services available in the community.
This year’s Back 2 School Extravaganza was made possible through donations from local churches, businesses, organizations and community members. More than 400 brand-new backpacks were donated, allowing every registered student to choose one that fit their own personality and style.
Bayside Folsom’s Vacation Bible School raised more than $7,000 to purchase school supplies and school snacks. After Twin Lakes Food Bank appealed to the community in June for additional support, local donors contributed another $7,225, ensuring every backpack was filled with classroom essentials.
According to Twin Lakes Food Bank, the organization has experienced a steady increase in the number of families seeking assistance during the past four years. As grocery prices continue to climb, more children and families are relying on the food bank each month for nutritious food, making events like the Back 2 School Extravaganza an important way to help ease some of the financial burden associated with returning to school.
Board President Ron Perry spent the morning visiting with volunteers, families and children and said the event is one he looks forward to every year because it reflects the heart of the organization’s mission.
“This is one of those reminders that the food bank is more than serving food, it’s serving people,” Perry said. “It’s one of my favorite events.”
Perry also shared his appreciation for Spider-Man’s return to the event for a second consecutive year.
“He graciously came out to share the love with our kids,” Perry said, noting the visit came despite it being the opening weekend of the latest Spider-Man movie.
Among those visiting the event Friday was Folsom Mayor Justin Raithel, who praised the communitywide effort that came together to support local students and their families.
“It’s amazing to see so many of our community nonprofits, businesses and volunteers come together to make sure every kid is ready for their first day of school,” Raithel said. “Thank you to Twin Lakes Food Bank for organizing and to all of the volunteers who came together to pour love on Folsom’s next generation.”
Twin Lakes Food Bank encourages community members interested in supporting local children and families experiencing food insecurity to learn more about its programs or make a donation by visiting TwinLakesFoodBank.org.
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