Young United is holding its second annual back-to-school party ¿ this time for the entire Pembroke community.

A host of entertainment has been arranged for the event, with plans to give away an unprecedented number of items for the coming academic year to ease the financial burden for parents.

The event was the brainchild of the youth wing of the United Bermuda Party and organised with the help of the area's representatives, Gina Spence-Farmer, Austin Warner, Tillman Darrell, Keith Young and Sean Pitcher.

The idea was to help those parents who were having difficulty providing the clothing and other basic articles needed for their children to return to school.

"We're doing our second annual back-to-school block party and this year we've extended it to the entire Pembroke community," said Senator Spence-Farmer (pictured) .

"Representatives for the constituency have been out knocking on doors and identified which items they're in need of. On Saturday, they'll be able to come and collect them onsite.

"We did the first one last year just before school started. Young United embarked on a canvassing blitz and asked constituents what was their greatest need.

"Aside from housing and things like that, they found a lot of parents would appreciate support in purchasing school items for their children."

The event has proved a great partnership as The English Sports Shop, The Uniform Shop and Gibbons Company all provided items at a discount.

"One of the highlights for us this year," added the senator, "is that a few of the parents who were in dire need last year, are this year in a better position and have offered to come and volunteer their time to help out. It really highlights the community spirit."

One thousand items ¿ 600 school bags, 200 bus passes and 200 $100 vouchers ¿ will be distributed as well as a raffle ticket entitling additional items to each person who attends.

"Everybody will get something," Sen. Spence-Farmer said. "The full school kit, just the basics, is $500. If a person has two or three children . . . obviously we can't do it all, but if they get a $100 voucher, they're able to do more with what they have. A bus pass is $45 per term ¿ these are things they absolutely have to have for their kids to go to school.

"You hear so much about (the bad things with) young people but when they get involved in politics and the process, it's amazing what comes out of it.

"There'll be live entertainment. We're going to have salsa dancers, steel pans, gombeys, Lady Tyson and a host of others. There'll be a food court ¿ we've asked businesses in the area to bring their food and set up stalls. We're calling it a block party but it's about Pembroke community coming together to celebrate. We believe it's going to be a great turnout."

The event will be held between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. on the basketball court next to the Parsons Road playground. Admission is free.