WILLIAMSBURG — Williamsburg-James City County Schools kicked off the new school year by hosting its fourth annual SPARK (Supporting Parents and Reaching Kids) event for families in need.
According to WJCC Schools, the back-to-school gathering brought together school staff, community partners, and volunteers to provide essential resources to families in one convenient location. Funded in part by the SPARK Community Empowerment Grant, the event offers free clothing, school information and ongoing support to help families throughout the 2025–26 school year.
Families could update contact information, meet with school staff, learn about programs, and connect with more than a dozen community organizations offering services such as hearing and vision screenings, free haircuts, and access to medical resources, the division said.
According to WJCC Schools, about 400 participants attended this year’s event, benefiting from a range of services designed to remove barriers to learning.
“Our goal is for families and students to leave with everything they need to be ready for the first day of school,” said Christopher C. Old, Supervisor of Student Services & Non-Traditional Programs. “We are grateful for the ongoing collaboration between community partners and our school division, helping ease some of the challenges families in need face.”
By combining school resources with community partners, WJCC Schools said it continues to involve families and ensure every student can start the school year prepared and confident.
Event and community partners included Chick-fil-A (Mooretown Road), Colonial Behavioral Health, James City Lions Club, James City County Parks & Recreation, James City County Social Services, Tomorrow’s Image Barber & Beauty Academy of Virginia , United Way, Williamsburg Department of Human Services, Williamsburg-James City County Community Action, Williamsburg-James City County Schools Nursing Staff, Williamsburg James City County School Health Initiative Program (SHIP) and Williamsburg Orthodontics.
