WS Chronicle

TEVIN STINSON 

THE CHRONICLE 

Local nonprofit BOND Cares is now accepting donations for its annual Love Day on Saturday, July 19. Love Day is a one-of-a-kind, back-to-school giveaway where students receive everything they need to start the school year.  

The first B.O.N.D (Building On New Development) Cares Love Day was held in 2023 and helped more than 250 students. Last year nearly 500 students attended the giveaway at Carver where they received school supplies, book bags, clothes, shoes and free food.  

This year more than 450 students have already pre-registered for Love Day. Thanks to a partnership with Novant Health, there will also be free medical checkups and vaccines. There will also be vouchers for appointments for stylings at Corey Paul Hair Studio, and haircuts at Winston-Salem Barber School.  

Porsche Jones, founder of BOND Cares, said the giveaway started as something she would do for families in need that she knew. But as Jones saw the need start to grow, she felt the urgency to do more, and that’s exactly what she did. “We desire to ensure our children are confident and prepared with basic needs for success – bookbags, school supplies, clothing and shoes,” Jones continued.  

“Our BOND Love Day is a simple component to our mission and values of serving the community. We are excited to continue our partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters Inc. and Beyond Basics, as well as adding a new component around health services – sponsored by Novant Health and LabCorp. Not only will families receive the necessities to launch a successful school year, they will also get the opportunity to receive free health screenings for adults, free children’s vaccines and child health assessments.”  

Donations for BOND Cares Love Day are being collected at Big Brothers Big Sisters Services Inc., 200 S. Marshall St., until Thursday, July 17. Office hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. To donate financially Cash App $BONDBALL, Venmo: BONDEventsNC, or Zelle: 336-575-8144.