By Joel Langton
The 830 Times
The Wellbeing Collective is inviting Del Rio residents to help local children in foster care while getting a free workout or wellness activity during its Back-to-School Essentials Drive on Saturday, Aug. 1.
Admission to one of several fitness and wellness activities is one donated essential item. Activities will run from 9 to 10 a.m. at participating locations throughout Del Rio.
Participants can choose from Dance HIIT & Mobility at Iron Core Wellness, a HIIT workout at Body Factory, Strength & Conditioning at The Gym, CrossFit at CrossFit DR, a community run hosted by Cardinal Points Coffee Shop, yoga and meditation at Conrad’s Casita or a youth soccer camp at Furia Fields.
The donation drive will benefit SJRC Belong, with all donated items going to children in foster care across Val Verde County.
According to Carlos Navarro, founder of The Wellbeing Collective and owner of 54health.org, who spearheaded the event, the drive gives people a chance to get a good workout while helping children in foster care get a good start to the school year.
“I want to bring the community together so they can invest in their health and well-being while also helping young students who are in a difficult situation,” Navarro said while driving to lead a fitness class.
Organizers are requesting donations of personal hygiene items, including deodorant, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, body spray, cologne, perfume, teen socks, backpacks, twin bedding sets and Amazon or Walmart gift cards.
School supplies are also needed, including pencil packs, pens, notebook paper, Kleenex, hand sanitizer and other classroom essentials.
Donation bins will be available at participating locations from July 27 through Aug. 1. Donors will receive an entry ticket that can be redeemed for one free workout or wellness activity on Aug. 1.
Following the morning activities, Cardinal Points Coffee Shop will celebrate its second anniversary from 10 to 11:30 a.m. with vendors, giveaways, coffee and community activities.
Organizers say the goal is to help ensure children in foster care begin the new school year with the supplies and support they need while encouraging the community to prioritize health, wellness and service.
“This is a lot of great organizations working together to help our community,” Navarro said.
