Newark City Schools will host Rally in the Alley in August at The Works, offering families free school supplies, backpacks, community resources and access to back-to-school immunizations ahead of the new academic year.
The event will take place from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 1, at The Works. Hosted by Newark City Schools Linkage Coordinators, Rally in the Alley is designed to help students prepare for the upcoming school year. Students attending the event will receive free school supplies and backpacks, while families can connect with local community agencies for information and support. The event is sponsored by Newark Elks Lodge, United Way of Licking County, and The Works.
In addition to school supplies, the Licking County Health Department will have its mobile unit on site to provide immunizations for students. Families are encouraged to schedule appointments in advance to help ensure children are healthy and ready to return to school.
"Newark City Schools is excited to welcome families to Rally in the Alley, a fun, supportive event to help students gear up for a successful school year," the Licking County Health Department said in announcing the event.
Parents and guardians who want their children to receive immunizations during the event must make an appointment with the Licking County Health Department before the July 30 deadline.
"Help keep your child healthy and ready for the school year. Schedule today!" the department added.
To schedule an immunization appointment, parents should call the Licking County Health Department at 740-349-6535 and select option 5. Callers should specifically request the "Rally in the Alley" event when speaking with staff. Families should have their child's insurance information and any available vaccination records ready when calling. Those who do not have the required information will be asked to call back once it is available.
Appointment scheduling will close at noon on July 30 to allow time for insurance verification and review of vaccination records.
On the day of the event, families should arrive on time with their child at the Licking County Health Department Mobile Unit.
Children who are uninsured or underinsured may qualify to receive vaccines at no cost through the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, ensuring more students can begin the school year protected and ready to learn.
Families with questions may contact Special Programs Coordinator Gemma Zimmerman at [email protected].
