This Tuesday City Life held its first Back to School event at the City Life Center in Tillicum since 2019 and it was so good to see the community come together! 

Over 30 students and their families met in the yard behind the Center for hamburgers, hotdogs, lemonade, and a few outdoor activities. Each student and parent that attended entered a raffle with prizes like a gift bag full of new cleaning supplies for parents or age-appropriate school supplies, snacks, and personal health supplies for the kids. 

Each student was also able to pick up a brand new backpack full of supplies like Crayola colored pencils, notebooks, scissors, rulers, and more! They were also able to “shop” for other back to school needs like clothes and shoes. 

Pierce College was available to answer any questions students or parents might have about their programs, from Running Start to associate degrees and certification programs. 

We were also able to take a few back to school photos for many families. 

It was beautiful to see the community in Tillicum. One mom said it was her first time gathering with people again since her medical conditions have required an abundance of caution this season. Despite all the obstacles, this community has stayed connected. About a mom in attendance, one student said, “My mom says that lady is a living angel.” 

This school year is still not “normal” in many ways, but we are grateful to celebrate together a return to somewhat normal rhythms and experience the ability of a connected community to care for one another.

Check out some of the fun below!