Clark County Community Services is preparing for its second annual summer outreach program planned for 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Aug. 4 at its headquarters on Taylor Avenue.

According to CCCS interns Katie Hunt and Maggie Hackman, the purpose of the summer outreach program is mainly to educate people who may be down on their luck or struggling with food and shelter security to learn about resources available to them.

This summer, CCCS is partnering with the Beacon of Hope shelter to create care packages for the temporary residents there.

“The Beacon of Hope residents have to go to each of these vendors and get a check mark in order to receive these backpacks,” Hackman said.

The backpacks will include several resources, including deodorant, personal hygiene products, items to help keep cool in the summer heat and a first aid kit.

Others who attend the outreach program but are not staying at the Beacon will be able to get goodie bags if they complete the process as well.

Organizations registered for the outreach program include Bluegrass Community and Technical College and its adult education department, the Beacon of Hope, Comprehensive Care, the Clark County Homeless Coalition, the Clark County Health Department, Jubilee Jobs, the Kentucky Prescription Assistance Program, the Clark County Public Library and more.

The day will include free lunches for those in attendance as well as entertainment for children. The program will also take place the day of CC’s closet sidewalk sale, so attendees can shop for clothes while they are getting information about community resources.

“It will be convenient since it is back-to-school time and I know how expensive back-to-school supplies can be,” Hunt said.

CCCS does both a summer and winter outreach program in order to help the community’s homeless population prepare for the challenges both seasons bring. In addition, it allows the organization to reach out to a greater number of people, as the beacon’s residents change frequently.

The program will also feature financial classes and other basic living classes.