BY TERESA DERFUS

MARSHFIELD — About 100 children and their families, along with the public attending a COVID-19 immunization clinic, will keep First Presbyterian Church in Marshfield abuzz with activity Thursday, Aug. 11.

The children are registered to participate in “Best First Day,” offered through Soup or Socks Food Pantry and Clothes Closet, which is located at the church. The event is an initiative to help children get ready for school by providing them with new and gently-used clothing, shoes, socks and underwear.

“Soup or Socks is excited to offer this opportunity for families the way we did before 2020, when COVID-19 changed so much in our community,” said Soup or Socks Director Cheryl Hartl. “There is something very significant that happens when children can start the school year with new clothing and we look forward to seeing them pick out their own items, many donated by generous people here in Marshfield.”

Soup or Socks started as a back-to-school clothing event in 2013. It was then enhanced and rebranded in 2018 with the help of a “Leadership Marshfield” team.  

The walk-in COVID-19 immunization clinic, open to the public and set for 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., is being held in cooperation with First Presbyterian Church through a federally-funded program offered by AMI Expeditionary Healthcare (AMI). No appointments are necessary. Special to this clinic is Spanish-speaking translators, who will be available to help people seeking immunizations who do not speak English.

According to Carmen Lawler, Christian Education coordinator at the church, all approved doses of COVID-19 vaccine, for all eligible people 6 months and older, will be available.