Hagerstown Area Religious Council Announces Diverse Community Events

The Hagerstown Area Religious Council and its member organizations are set to host a series of community events throughout August and September, offering a variety of activities and resources for residents. These upcoming gatherings include a backpack giveaway, a family fun day with back-to-school supplies, a mobile packing event, and a National Night Out celebration, culminating in an interfaith progressive dinner aimed at fostering peace and community connection.

In early August, two significant events will focus on supporting students and families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. On Saturday, August 1, Hub City Vineyard will host a Free Backpack Giveaway from 9:00 am to 12:00 pm at 17805 Oak Ridge Drive. This event aims to distribute over 1,000 backpacks filled with school supplies, while supplies last. In addition to backpacks, attendees can expect to find food, books, clothing, and free haircuts. Also on August 1, with a newly scheduled time, the Hagerstown Community Mobile Pack invites individuals to learn about and participate in the first-ever Feed My Starving Children Mobile Pack event at Robinwood Medical Center, Suite 142 (Blue Entrance), from 9:00 am to 10:30 am. This event offers an opportunity for people of all ages, starting at 5 years old, to engage in a meaningful service activity with a global impact.

Later in August, on Saturday, August 15, from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 1253 Mt. Aetna Road will present a Free Family Fun Day and Back-to-School Supplies event. This free family-focused gathering will provide essential back-to-school items, including backpacks and new shoes. The event promises a range of entertainment and activities, such as bouncy castles, a petting zoo, a firefighter demonstration, a soccer clinic, a dunking tank, and arts and crafts. Following these preparatory events, Tuesday, August 4, will feature National Night Out at Fairgrounds Park (North Pavilion) from 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. This free community event is designed to promote unity and fun, offering attendees a live DJ, snow cones, lawn games, drone demonstrations, an inflatable slide, and axe throwing. The Hagerstown Police Department and community partners will also be present, distributing backpacks and school supplies, with hot dogs provided by Sheetz.

The series of events will conclude on Saturday, September 26, with an Interfaith Progressive Dinner scheduled from 5:00 pm to 9:00 pm at various locations. This event is being held to honor the International Day of Peace and will involve multiple faith traditions. Participants will move together as a group through different houses of worship, with each location serving a portion of the meal. Tickets for the Progressive Dinner are priced at $25 for general admission and $10 for students, including college students. The event has a capacity limit of 100 attendees, and the registration deadline for tickets is September 18, 2026.

Article by Ken Buckler, based upon information from Hagerstown Area Religious Council & Member Events

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