Tonight was one of those evenings that reminds you exactly why small-town living is so special. The 2nd Annual Back to School Night at the North San Juan Community Center was an absolute success, with a huge turnout of community members ready to celebrate, connect, and prepare kids for the year ahead.

The main event? Backpacks—lots of them! Thanks to the generosity of sponsors and the hard work of volunteers, we were able to give out a large number of backpacks, each filled with school supplies for kids of all ages. Seeing the smiles on their faces as they picked out their new packs was enough to warm anyone’s heart.

But that was just the start. Families enjoyed games, creating chalk art by the picnic tables, and bracelet-making crafts, keeping the little ones entertained and letting their creativity shine. And of course, no community gathering is complete without food—hot dogs and hamburgers fresh off the grill were served up in abundance!

In total, 60 hamburgers and 20 hotdogs were served and 35 backpacks were given out!

Inside and outside the center, local resources were on hand to connect families with valuable services. We had a truly impressive lineup this year, including:

Community Beyond Violence

CalFresh

Nevada County Public Health

Yuba Harm Reduction Collective

Oak Tree Family Resource Center

Little Acorns

Partnership Health

Victory Village

Bright Futures for Youth

Sierra Nevada Memorial Hospital

San Juan Ridge Community Library

Even Supervisor Sue Hoek showed up to handout scoops of Lazy Dog Ice Cream to families at the event!

The Free Store was also open for browsing, giving families a chance to pick up clothing and other essentials, adding to the night’s spirit of generosity and care.

Events like this don’t just prepare kids for school—they remind us all that we’re stronger when we come together. Tonight’s Back to School Night wasn’t just about supplies; it was about connection, support, and making sure every family feels seen and valued.