By Sherri Ellington The seventh annual community-wide Back to School Bash will be held Saturday, Aug. 2, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Ed Taylor Memorial Parks and Recreational Field. It is sponsored by its own committee, the Lamar County school system Title I program and several collaborative partners. To receive book bags all children must have an armband and vendor registration card including the child’s name and grade. To get an armband, parents or guardians must provide two proofs of residency in Lamar such as an electric bill and driver’s license. Participants must visit a total of 12 vendors or booths with three being mandatory: nutrition education, Title I and Prevent Child Abuse. There will be no exceptions and each child must be present with his or her registration card. All book bags will be given out on a first come, first serve basis. ’The goal is to provide parents and community members with knowledge of local resources for families and provide essential school supplies to over 1,700 Lamar youth,’ said chairperson April Smith. ‘We’ll have booths from the school system to help parents learn about Title I and how they can become involved in the program. Several local and state agencies will have booths for parents to gather information that may empower youth and families.’ Title I information given out will include which schools are Title I, what Title I and school- wide program means, which schools made AYP and what the parent involvement plan looks like. Donations are still being sought. ‘Your contributions will make the difference in helping us exceed our goal, reach more youths and prepare Lamar students for the 2014-15 school year,’ said Smith. Items needed include funds that will help in the overall cost such as buying book bags and supplies and renting an inflatable, school supplies to be placed in book bags and information and handouts about services the donor provides in Lamar. ’If you elect to make a financial contribution, please make checks payable to the A.D. Smith Community Service for the BTSB,’ said Smith. ’Please bring or send all supplies or financial contributions to the E.P. Roberts Center by July 30. We’ll need help on Aug. 1 at 6 p.m. stuffing book bags.’ Vendors are asked to bring their own tents, tables, chairs and equipment needed to display their information. Refreshments and water will be provided for all participants. ’Working together, we’ll help shape the future of our youth and improve their overall well-being,’ said Smith. For information call Smith at 770-358-3311 or co-chair Amy Banks at 770-358-5891. In a separate event, the class of 1984 will give away back-to-school paper to the first 100 children to come by the Ritz Park at 9 a.m. Saturday, Aug. 2. Sack lunches will be made available. Women Empowering Against Poverty is seeking hair stylists and barbers to give free back to school haircuts for single mothers and the needy. For information call 678-544-2349. Shane’s Rib Shack is also giving away free children’s meals with the purchase of an adult meal. See their ad in this week’s print edition of The Herald Gazette.
Be First to Comment