Back-to-School Fair with Wood River Health, Jonnycake Center to benefit area students

Washington County-Area Non-Profits Partnering for August 17 Back to School Fair at the Westerly Armory

Washington County-area non-profit organizations, including the Jonnycake Center of Westerly and Wood River Health have announced that they are partnering for a back-to-school fair to benefit local children. The third annual event will take place on Saturday, August 17 from 10am to 1pm at the Westerly Armory at 41 Railroad Avenue in Westerly. The event is sponsored in part by Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island.

After recognizing the importance of school preparedness, local organizations have come together for a third year to provide children with backpacks, school supplies, and educational items to ensure the school year starts strongly for all. Musical entertainment will be provided by WBLQ AM 1230, and there will also be games, face painting and craft tables!

Families are invited to the event at the Westerly Armory on Saturday, August 17 between 10am and 1pm to receive a free backpack that comes filled with essentials needed for school. The backpacks will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last, and school-aged children must be present to receive supplies.  

“The Jonnycake Center of Westerly is delighted to partner with Wood River Health and the Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island to once again present the annual back to school fair. We recognize the importance of Education as a solid foundation for growth and success, and it is vital we come together to support students in our community by giving them the best possible start to the 2024-2025 school year.” said Lee Eastbourne, Jonnycake Center of Westerly Executive Director. “We are excited to be a presenting partner of this event, and we are deeply grateful to all who have made this year’s event possible.” 

“Back to School time is an important reminder that Healthy kids are more successful learners shared Alison Croke, President and CEO of Wood River Health. “For over 50 years Health centers have partnered with community-based organizations to emphasize the importance of addressing the social determinants of Health.  The partnership between the Jonnycake Center of Westerly and Wood River Health is a great example of these successful partnerships”.

For any questions about the event, please call (401) 377-8069 and select Option 1, or email [email protected]. 

Participants and sponsors of the Saturday, August 17, 2024 Back to School Fair include:

• Jonnycake Center of Westerly: jonnycake.org
• Wood River Health: WoodRiverHealth.org
• Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island: nhpri.org
• The Washington Trust Company: washtrust.com
• WBLQ 1230 AM: wblq.net

About The Jonnycake Center of Westerly
The Jonnycake Center of Westerly’s mission is to provide a continuum of services in cooperation with other agencies in our service area to assist people through crisis situations and work with each individual to find a path out of dependency toward self-sufficiency. For more information, visit jonnycake.org, and follow us on Facebook, and Instagram, or call (401) 377-8069. 

A private, non-profit Community Health Center, Wood River Health is devoted to providing quality patient care to over 8,600 patients. It is recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) as a Patient-Centered Medical Home. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Wood River Health receives funds from the HRSA Health Center Program to provide primary care services in underserved areas.