The campaign runs for the month of August. The challenge invites community members to join in summer fun while helping students prepare for the school year. TJ Hoes State Farm began distributing 25 branded beach balls on Aug. 1 at their Alpena office, 1013 S. State Ave. Participants are invited to take a creative, summer fun themed photo with their beach ball and share it on Facebook using the hashtag #PlayHardStudyHard and tagging @TJ Hoes – State Farm Agent.

Each of the first 25 valid photo posts will earn a donation of a backpack filled with essential school supplies to the Alpena school of the participant’s choice in their name.

“One photo equals one backpack, with a limit of 25 backpacks total,” said TJ Hoes in the press release. “The schools can choose to gift them to students where they see the need.”

Lisa Quinn, receptionist at TJ Hoes State Farm, said that Hoes has a strong desire to give back to the community. He has been looking for a way to provide needed resources for the community, and this was a fun way to market it.

Courtesy Photo Children play with beach balls in this photo submitted by Taylor Hayward as part of the Play Hard, Study Hard beach ball challenge.

“We’re encouraging everyone to get outside, have fun, and support education at the same time,” Hoes said in the press release. “It’s a perfect way to wrap up summer on a positive note. We hope to help students start the school year strong.”

All backpacks will be delivered by TJ Hoes State Farm during the week following Labor Day weekend, accompanied by a card recognizing the contributors who made the donations possible.

To participate, pick up a branded beach ball at TJ Hoes State Farm. A total of 25 backpacks are available, awarded on a first-come, first-posted basis. Businesses, individuals, and families can participate in the fun.

To participate, designate the Alpena school you want to support. Take a fun, creative photo with the beach ball. One photo per beach ball counts toward a backpack donation. Post your photo on Facebook or Instagram with hashtag #PlayHardStudyHard and tag @TJ Hoes – State Farm Agent. The first 25 photos (one per beach ball) will each secure a backpack donation to the school of the participant’s choice. The campaign runs through Aug. 31 or until all backpacks are claimed. Seven beach balls had been picked up as of Monday, Quinn said.

“We hope to see the community come together for some summer fun while helping families lighten the cost of back-to-school supplies,” said TJ Hoes in the press release.

News Photo by Reagan Voetberg Backpacks and beach balls are on display in the TJ Hoes State Farm Insurance Agency lobby in Alpena.

Reagan Voetberg can be reached at 989-358-5683 or rvoetberg@TheAlpenaNews.com.