Harvest Church Hosts Back To School Fair, Provides Supplies and Essentials for 700 Kids in Billings, Montana

Harvest Church in Billings recently hosted a Back To School Fair, providing essential supplies and support to hundreds of children and families. The event, held just days before the start of the school year, aimed to ensure that children would be well-prepared for the academic year ahead. Over 1,000 individuals attended, with approximately 700 children benefiting from the church’s efforts.

Darian Armer, the church’s kids elementary director, explained that while the church has previously provided school supplies, this year’s event marked a significant expansion. “We wanted to get them ready head to toe,” Armer said. The initiative included not only school supplies but also clothing, haircuts, and eyewear, emphasizing the importance of equipping children for success in every aspect of their lives.

The fair offered a variety of items, from backpacks and notebooks to calculators and locks, which many families might not otherwise afford. Xarah Hunt, a seventh-grader at Billings Christian, shared her excitement about receiving these supplies. “Last year when I went into sixth grade, it was the first year I actually got to use some things like a calculator and a lock,” she said. “So when I saw those on my list, I was like, let’s go, let’s go.”

Iliz Hunt, Xarah’s mother, expressed gratitude for the opportunity. “For those who can’t afford the supplies right away, especially for last-minute needs, it’s just a huge blessing,” she said. The event provided a tangible way for families to access necessary resources, reducing the stress and financial burden associated with the start of the school year.

Ben Warren, a fourth-grader at Beartooth Elementary, shared his perspective on the upcoming school year. “Not that excited,” he said, “but I do like doing soccer and gymnastics. Soccer is fun.” Despite his initial lack of enthusiasm, he expressed excitement about reuniting with friends and teachers, highlighting the social and educational aspects of returning to school.

Armer’s vision for the event was to support the community’s children, and she expressed satisfaction with the turnout. “My vision was for our kids in the community and just to see it come together,” she said. “Just feels so good to be here today.” The fair exemplified the church’s commitment to serving the local community through practical acts of mercy and care.

The Back To School Fair reflected the church’s dedication to addressing the needs of families in the community. By providing essential supplies and services, Harvest Church demonstrated a commitment to helping children thrive, both academically and personally. This initiative aligned with the biblical principle of caring for the vulnerable and showing love through tangible acts of service.

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