5TH ANNUAL G.E.T. FRESH BACK TO SCHOOL EVENT SEEKING DONATIONS AND SPONSORS

G.E.T. Fresh! (Getting Everyone Together) began in May 2022 with a simple conversation between two working mothers. Karen Carter, owner of Twisted Beauty Bar, had been hosting small back-to-school giveaways for years, but a conversation with Erin Raymus, who was working with YWCA at the time, sparked a creation of a new, bigger event. Teaming up with local organizations, the newly formed event features distribution of backpacks stuffed with new supplies, hair specialists, community resources and more.

Year 5’s event is August 16, 2026 at the La Crosse Main Library but preparations and donations are already underway. Erin now works with Planned Parenthood that has taken over the event. She and Karolee Behringer joined the Buzz to talk about what they need now and how the community can support:

All are welcome to enjoy free resources, open and welcoming conversations about health, and a space designed to uplift and empower. This event is open to all with a focus on our Black and Brown families in our community.

Everything is available on a first-come, first-served basis. G.E.T. Fresh provides a backpack filled with school supplies. Hairstylists with experience braiding and working with waves, curls, coils, and ringlets will be available for those students wanting a fresh look for the school year! Local organizations will host booths, share resources, and connect with attendees.

If you are able to volunteer your time at the event, or your organization is interested in supporting G.E.T. Fresh! 2026 with financial donations, school supplies or hair services, please contact erin.raymus@ppwi.org or Karolee Behringer at karolee.behringer@ppwi.org.

Supply donations can be dropped off at Planned Parenthood of WI at 1201 Caledonia St. in La Crosse, in hopes to gather enough supplies to help 200 students.

If you are able to donate new or unused, good-condition school supplies, they are collecting the following:
Elementary School Needs

• Creativity: 1 Box of Crayons, Colored Pencils & Markers
• Writing: 4 Pencils, 1 Pencil Sharpener, & 1 Eraser
• Paper: 2 Notebooks, 2 Composition Books, & 1 Primary Journal
• Organization: 1 Pencil Box & 4 Folders
• Essentials: 2 Glue Sticks & 1 Ruler (12-inch)

Middle and High School Needs

• Writing: 4 Pencils, 1 Pencil Sharpener, 1 Eraser, Dry Erase Markers, & 2
  Highlighters
• Paper: 3 Notebooks & 1 Package of Loose-Leaf Paper
• Creativity: 1 Box of Crayons, Colored Pencils & Markers
• Organization: 4 Folders
• Essentials: Combination Lock & 1 Ruler (12-inch)

They are also collecting Nix Complete Lice Treatment Kits