On Aug. 10, The Factory Ministries held its second Back-to-School Bingo. About 100 people attended, and children from Pequea Valley School District and adjacent districts took home school supplies and backpacks as prizes.

"Normally, (The Factory's bingo events are) only for adults," explained Bethany Miller, adult advocate with The Factory Ministries, who organized the event, "but we open this to parents and children."

"It was exciting," added Miller, who noted that the event was the brainchild of former adult advocate Jessie Brown. "Jessie had a desire to find another way to connect families to The Factory," she said. At The Factory, bingo events function as an opportunity to make connections. Miller explained, "It's an opportunity to build relational resources."

Back-to-school supplies that were given out included homework caddies with snacks and fidget toys, in addition to school necessities, craft sets, and prizes such as a new football and soccer balls, water bottles, clothes, and small electronic items like headphones. "All the kids in attendance were able to choose from school supply items such as backpacks, binders, notebooks, folders, pencils, glue, crayons, and (other) fun items," said Miller. "Everybody went home with something."

"Kids love fun little prizes, and there were plenty of those donated to win through bingo," said Miller, who added that all prizes were donated. "We didn't purchase any," she said. "In the three days leading up to (the event), we had more than $500 in prizes donated, which was great." Miller said that three-quarters of the donated prizes were given away at the event.

Local businesses and organizations were involved in the bingo, as well, including Bank of Bird-in-Hand, which donated funds and sent six volunteers to help call bingo and serve snacks. "They engaged with participants and families," said Miller. "It was great to have them there."

Representatives from Strengthening Families for ages 10 to 14 were also present to talk about events coming in the fall and the next cohort that will be held at The Factory.

Miller said that some of the parents who came to the bingo have begun to take part in The Factory's monthly bingo, which is held on the fourth Thursday of each month from 1 to 3 p.m.

Introducing The Factory Ministries to local families is one goal of the event. "It's a way to have a fun time for kids, but a way to engage parents to keep them coming back," said Miller. "Coming through the door, they can see how much we have to offer."

Readers who would like to learn more about The Factory may visit http://www.thefactoryministries.com or search for "The Factory Ministries" on Facebook.