Mountain Comp. Care Back 2 School Bash a success

Published 11:30 am Thursday, August 17, 2023

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Depot Street in Winchester was busy last Friday, Aug. 11, even before the weekend.

The Back 2 School Bash by Mountain Comprehensive Care Center took place, allowing others the benefit of finding new clothes and more.

The event was timely, as the Clark County Public Schools youth prepared for school opening on Tuesday, Aug. 15.

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“We’re having our back-to-school bash; one last rodeo before the kids go back to school,” said Jessica Martinovich, the clinic coordinator at Mountain Comprehensive Care Center. “[We’re] getting them some free items [like] clothing, food, having some fun playing games, [having] other vendors here so they can get some other free goodies too from the community.”

The event – open to people of all ages – took place from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Much of what got sold at a low cost came via a donation drive in June when the business asked for and received clothing, food, hygiene products and more from a caring public.

Once the event started, plenty of citizens were waiting to shop – some having shown up as early as 3:15 p.m.

“We weren’t really sure what to expect,” said clinical director Amie Moore, noting that it was the first time they’d hosted the event in Clark County. “To see the event, we [were] like, ‘Oh, it’s [going to] be really good!’ We’ve had a really good turnout.”

Multiple employees worked at one station selling t-shirts, pants, shorts, shoes, socks, and underwear; each organized by size.

Grace Burgess, a recent employee who will serve contractually as a school-based mental health associate with Baker Intermediate School, explained.

“What we do is we have [customers] register. You grab a ticket, and then with your ticket, you get three items,” Burgess said. “If we don’t have the pants or any clothing that [fits] you right, we’ll write..your name and number and call you when we got something.”

Also busy at the event was Vivian Jeffries.

She will serve as a school-based counselor with Clark County Preschool and Phoenix Academy through Mountain Comprehensive Care Center.

At Jeffries’ table – called the Creation Station – kids were welcomed to stop by, design and make goodie bags, create bracelets and necklaces, and more using beads and various other supplies.

“We have no biases, no prejudices, and we try to reach out to everyone,” Jefferies said. “We’re very patient. We’re very understanding.”

Along with Mountain Comprehensive Care Center staff, organizations like the Clark County Public Library, Marco Shemwell Foundation and AppalRed Legal Aid appeared.

The Winchester Fire Department also brought a truck, allowing children to sit inside.

Mountain Comprehensive Care Center hopes that such events can further rejuvenate the community.

“We’re excited to do it bigger and better next year, too,” Martinovich added.