22-07-2025
Madison County nonprofit holds back-to-school readiness program Saturday
HAZEL GREEN, Ala. (WHNT) — As hard as it is to believe, it's almost time for children in the Tennessee Valley to head back to school.
The Caring Link, a nonprofit, held its second annual back-to-school readiness program at Flint River Baptist Church.
The two-day event provided over 400 children from Madison County with essentials like five new outfits, socks, shoes, underwear, school supplies, haircuts and even hearing and vision screenings, free of charge.
Caring Link President Kate O'Neal said that helping kids brings her joy, but more importantly, helps set them up for success as they start the school year.
'It's really important for us to provide these resources for children because it helps them focus in the classroom, and we know that education is a cycle breaker of poverty, but it's really hard to focus on getting a quality education when you don't have your basic needs met,' O'Neal said. 'We want to meet those basic needs so they can thrive in the classroom and then beyond that.'
The event also featured several other nonprofits that offer a variety of services for families in need.
This isn't the only way the Caring Link helps students in Madison County. Throughout the year, they have care closets in different schools that help students with essential items.
To find out more about the Caring Link, click here.
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