Getting ready for a new school year might mean stocking up on notebooks, sharpening pencils, and picking out a new backpack, but in Cordell this weekend, it could also mean grabbing a free hamburger or hot dog, shopping local vendors, taking home helpful resources, and for some youngsters, celebrating with a first ear piercing.
Rachel Jones, owner of Wookies Tattoo and Body Piercing, is once again turning generosity into a community event with a Back-to-School Bash on Saturday, August 8, from noon to 5 p.m.
The event is designed to be much more than a shopping day. Jones hopes families will leave with smiles, hope and a reminder that their community is behind them as another school year begins.
One of the biggest attractions will be free earlobe piercings for children ages 4-12, with a birth certificate required. Wookies will also offer half-price body piercings for anyone who donates $20 worth of junior high or high school supplies. A receipt showing proof of purchase is required, and supplies should be dropped off at Wookies to receive the discount.
The donated school supplies will help local junior high and high school students. “We are very excited to be having another opportunity to help our community, bringing resources and information to families in need and giving them access when they come to the Blessing Box for these resources,” Jones said. “Not to mention, most people just need a hug and a nice smile and to be told that they are loved. We tell everybody that they are loved, prayed for, and give them hope.”
Jones expressed her appreciation for private family donations, support from Fourth and College Church, which has been a huge help with resources, and from fellow organizers Alex Thomison and Amy Riggs.
“Alex, Amy and I just want to spread some kindness in the world,” she said.
Adding even more flavor to the day, literally, will be Handlebars Mobile Kitchen, which will be serving free hamburgers and hot dogs!
Visitors can also browse a variety of local vendors featuring homemade jams, pickles, artwork, jewelry, and handcrafted bags. Other attractions include intuitive readings by Coley and hair tinsel by Jaylen Todd.
The event is also about making sure families have access to practical resources. Hygiene bags, sponsored by the Cordell Blessing Box and Riggs Nutrition, will be distributed during the event.
Working alongside Wookies is Riggs Nutrition, located at 214 E. Main Street, where Riggs is also collecting donations. Through August 8, community members can enter to win one of two computer bags as back-to-school door prizes. The drawing will be held at 5 p.m. during the bash.
Riggs Nutrition will also offer happy hour drink pricing, while Elizabeth Riggs will feature a pedicure special for students and parents.
On social media, Riggs shared that they will have a few fun giveaways for the August 8 Back-to-School Bash at Riggs Nutrition with the Blessing Box, and that she hopes to see everyone at both locations.
For Jones, however, the heart of the event goes far beyond school supplies or special promotions.
“My main goal this weekend is to provide a fun environment with access to information and resources and just to get the kids pumped and ready for back to school,” she said. “And simply just to spread some love and kindness. There’s a lot of hate in the world right now, and we want to show that there is still love and kindness in our community. It’s all about love and spreading kindness.”
Wookies Tattoo and Body Piercing is located at 210 E. 1st Street in Cordell. Whether families come for a donation drive, a burger or hot dog, a little sparkle, a first pair of earrings, or simply a friendly smile, the Back-to-School Bash promises to send the community into the new school year with full hearts, and maybe a few new accessories, too.