MIDDLEBURG – The biggest problem for children at the Back to School Bash at Mercy Support Services was trying to narrow down the choices for a favorite backpack. More than 1,400 people stood in line to get food, clothes, haircuts and backpacks at the annual event on July 30 at Mercy on College Drive, almost doubling last year’s turnout.

“We gave away 600 backpacks and 800 sets of kids’ clothing,” said Director of Operations, Dena Collins. “It was extremely successful, but we do realize that we probably have to find a bigger venue. We expected it might double from what we had last year, so we were estimating maybe six to 800 people.

“It was a great thing. It’s a good problem to have, but it’s also you know, it’s also heartbreaking to see that great of a need.”

Seeds of Love Ministries and Saved 2 Serve organized the event and worked as volunteers.

Mercy said there are nearly 1,000 children in public schools who have no permanent address. Of those, more than 140 are considered unaccompanied youth children with no legal guardian or parent. Mercy’s role in our community is to collaborate with other like-minded organizations to take care of the existing problems of these invisible neighbors, and prevent future problems from occurring.