For 25 years, Beaches Emergency Assistance Ministry has held “Back to School with BEAM” every August, providing clothes and school supplies to beaches-area children who are challenged financially to get outfitted for the new school year. In these early days, Episcopal student Vance Berry volunteered to help sort clothes for BTSWB with his classmate and friend Lance Wolfson, whose mother, Karen, founded the organization. Through her son Vance’s involvement, Berry & Co. Real Estate broker Clare Berry learned of the incredible service BEAM provides to the community, and personally and professionally dedicated herself and her company to supporting Karen Wolfson’s Back to School with BEAM program.
Through the years, it has grown to serve around 1,000 students. During this event, in addition to selecting new backpacks and school supplies, the children will shop for new and gently-used clothes.
“We are so grateful to our customers, friends, and social and professional group members who dropped their donations by our office, helping to fill the hall with clothing for these children,” said Berry. “Their generosity will make a difference in many lives.”
The 25th annual Back to School with BEAM event will take place from 8 a.m. to noon, Saturday, Aug. 4 at Beach Church in Jacksonville Beach.
