Bradenton Kiwanis to Host Annual Christmas in August Event

BRADENTON - The Bradenton Kiwanis Club in cooperation with the Pittsburgh Pirates organization, the Manatee School District and more than 20 other community service organizations including The Bradenton Times, are expected to host more than 500 pre-registered homeless students of Manatee County for a morning of games, fun and food at their annual Christmas in August event this weekend.

In addition to receiving “Back-to-school” backpacks filled with school necessities, the students will have access to personal care opportunities including haircuts, vaccinations and even eye, dental and medical screenings/checkups.

In making the announcement, the leadership of the Kiwanis Club of Bradenton indicated to their knowledge this is the only event of this magnitude to be held in Manatee County.

“The Kiwanis Club of Bradenton is excited to see how this event continues to take shape,” said Sharon Barhorst, Chair of the Christmas in August Committee. “So many local organizations have pitched in to help make the start of the school year a little bit better for the children and teens that are among Manatee County’s homeless population. We are grateful to all of the local agencies that assisted in identifying and reaching out to those students that can be helped through this important event.”

The event, which is held at McKechnie Field, the spring training home of the Pittsburgh Pirates, is closed to the public.