NAUGATUCK — As summer vacation comes to an end, the borough community wants to send students back to school with one last party.
The third annual Back to School Block Party, which is sponsored by Naugatuck Valley Community Church, Naugatuck United Methodist Church, Calvary Chapel Naugatuck, Stokes Counseling Service and Naugatuck Youth Services, is Sunday from 3 to 6 p.m. on the Town Green.
The party, which is a celebration to mark the end of summer vacation before school starts on Monday, will feature a bouncy house, obstacle course, cotton candy, hot dogs, popcorn, games and prizes, and books donated by the Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury, Inc.
“It is an attempt to bring the community of Naugatuck together so children have a good sendoff to school,” Rev. Peola Hicks of the Naugatuck Methodist Church said.
Hicks said the event includes a number of groups, such as the Naugatuck School Parent Group, Salem preschool, the Girl Scouts and Naugatuck Ambulance, so students and parents will know where to go when they need assistance or have questions.
Naugatuck Community Church Pastor Tim Leggett said the church wanted to host an event that would bring the community together.
“We feel that children and youth and families are very important. That’s why we offer it to our community as a free event. We also want to share a positive message of faith and Christ,” Leggett said.
Naugatuck Youth Services Director Kristin Mabrouk said the event is enjoyed by younger children and teenagers, who help out with youth services.
“From the perspective of the teens it is a really great event because it is tons of fun and they are giving back to younger kids. They get to see the impact they are having on younger kids,” Mabrouk said.
While it does mark the end of summer vacation, Mabrouk hopes children see the party as a positive start to the new school year.
Leggett encouraged people to come down to the event.
“It is family oriented, free and fun. We had over 600 attend last year, so a number of people must have found great value in the event,” Leggett said.
Editor’s note: This story includes comments from Rev. Peola Hicks and Pastor Tim Leggett that were received after the Aug. 25 edition of the Citizen’s News went to press.
