Augusta University hosts Back to School at the HUB/Books for Shay event

Every hallway in the HUB for Community Innovation Augusta was filled with excited families eager to participate in events and receive backpacks filled with school supplies at the Back to School at the HUB/Books for Shay event on July 27. Over 1,500 people attended the event, marking the highest attendance since its inception.

This year marked the first time the two beloved events were combined. Originally, the Books for Shay event was held at Monte Sano Elementary School; however, as awareness and popularity of the event grew, organizers began seeking a larger venue, and the HUB emerged as the ideal location.

“Rise Augusta and the Literacy Center were able to incorporate many aspects of the Books for Shay event with the Back to School event, aiming to collaborate and expand both events, given their similar themes,” said Sam Klein, business operations specialist of the Dr. Paulette P. Harris Literacy Center, located inside the HUB.

Klein emphasized that one of the HUB’s missions is to assist families in the Harrisburg and Laney Walker neighborhoods, and this event not only furthered that mission but also made a substantial impact on the community.

“One of the big reasons for the HUB’s location is to bridge both physical gaps between the neighborhoods and service gaps in education, nutrition and health care. This event is one of the significant ways we can help educationally, in addition to our daily services,” said Klein.

Tammy Hobbs, who attends the event every year with her son, said, “My son has been coming to the literacy center since kindergarten. The most rewarding part of the event is the books. Most kids don’t get to go to the library, so when they come here, they get all types of books — learning books, books to read for leisure, and we just love it.”

In addition to receiving books, families had the opportunity to participate in several literacy events throughout the day. Once they completed all tasks, they received backpacks filled with supplies for their children. Asha Heath, attending for the first time with her nieces, appreciated the event’s organization and benefits.

“I think we should have more events like this,” said Heath. “It’s definitely beneficial for people who can’t get to the store and get all these supplies. I liked how interactive everything was. They had books you could pick up, and everything was categorized based on age.”

The setup was strategically designed, with the required activities in the Harris Literacy Center and the Books for Shay book fair positioned just outside. This arrangement allowed attendees to interact with Chasity Foster, the founder of Smile for Shay. The initiative aims to keep her daughter Shaylin Foster’s memory and impact alive. Shaylin, who loved reading, passed away at 17, and Books for Shay is how her family continues to honor her.

The Foster family said Shaylin lived by the message, “Small acts of kindness will change the world,” and holding this event each year perpetuates her legacy.

“We’re grateful to see the community come together and witness the joy on children’s faces as they receive their books and supplies. Shaylin would be proud,” said Chasity Foster. “We had Shay’s photo on display upstairs, and I looked at her photo and then looked downstairs. Seeing all the people made me think of a speech that Shay gave for Beta Club. She said, ‘I implore you, take action. You all have the ability to change the world, piece by piece. If not us, who? If not now, when? So go ahead and take a step forward, look around — the world belongs to you, you can change it.’”

Klein recognizes the vital role of sponsors and partners in making the event possible. Their contributions ranged from providing essential supplies to organizing engaging activities, ensuring the event could reach its full potential and have a lasting impact on the community.

“Boys and Girls Club, Plant Vogtle, T-Mobile, AT&T — they provide backpacks, supplies and food,” said Klein. “Our partners like the Georgia Health Department, The Basics and Rise Augusta offer information, activities and resources that extend the impact beyond the event day. Without our sponsors and partners, we couldn’t achieve this scale, and we’re very thankful for them.”

In addition to food and resources, families and children engaged with Disney princesses, meteorologist Jay Jeffries, Augusta Junior Players, Golden Blocks Legend Comics, the Mayor’s Office and District 1 Commissioner Jordan Johnson. Activities included singalongs, book readings, performances and encouragement to inspire students for the upcoming school year.

Johnson highlighted the event’s importance. “Events like this are vital for the community. People receive school supplies to prepare for the new school year and address critical community needs. It’s refreshing to see the community unite for a good cause and meet essential needs ahead of the new school year.”

Additional activities allowed students to meet with April Hartman, MD, an associate professor and vice chair of Advocacy in the Department of Pediatrics at Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia. Kids participated in a fun activity where they learned to sweep floors and challenge volunteers in a race.

In addition, a health zone organized by Hallie Hayes from the MCG Literacy Initiative offered eight health screenings, including blood pressure readings, heart and lung exams, musculoskeletal exams, scoliosis checks and more.

Betsy VanDeusen, PhD, director of the Harris Literacy Center, said, “Each of the last three years, our numbers have grown, showing how the HUB is becoming established in this community. We surpassed last year’s attendance, which means we’re reaching more families, and that’s exactly why we’re here.”