Beatrice Community Hospital - Ready-Set-Go

What is it?

Ready-Set-Go is an annual back-to-school event organized by Beatrice Community Hospital and The Salvation Army with support from the hospital foundation and community organizations, businesses, and individuals. The event provides low-income children in grades kindergarten through 12 with school physicals and the supplies they need to start the school year. Each child receives a health kit with items such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, soap, and shampoo; and a school backpack filled with school supplies such as crayons, pens, and pencils. Each child also receives discount shoe coupons to local retail stores, clothing vouchers, haircut vouchers, hearing and vision screens, a head lice check, and a public library card, as well as a variety of information on topics ranging from health insurance to nutrition and diabetes education. Participating family members are each offered a free hot dog, chips, and drink.

Who is it for?

Gage County families with low income, who do not have a physician or who are new to the area.

Why do they do it?

Helping all children in the community get the best start possible is vital to their success in school; being ready for school means making sure that not only are children physically healthy but that they also have the necessary school supplies, clothing, and other essential items for a healthy mental and emotional beginning to a new school year.

Impact

The 2012 Ready-Set-Go program attendance was approximately 250 children, servicing 112 families.

Contact: Lorna Hohbein
Community Events Coordinator
Telephone: 402-223-7259
E-mail: lhohbein@bchhc.org