Royston Back to School Bash a Big Success, Organizers Say

Organizers of this year’s Back to School Bash in Royston say it was a huge success.

Sponsored by the Royston Housing Authority, The Royston Police Department and local ministries, Housing Authority Executive Director Charity Hallford said this year’s event at the Royston Train Depot was bigger than last year.

“We’re estimating there were approximately 1,500 people that came out, Hallford said Monday. “We gave away 565 book bags filled with school supplies and that was for anyone that came out.”

And people came out by the hundreds Saturday morning.  The line of parents who turned out for the free school supplies went all the way around the train depot.  This year’s goal was to hand out 800 book bags with school supplies, but that goal was not quite achieved.

Still Hallford said local businesses and citizens were more than generous with their giving this year.  In addition to the free book bags, other services were also offered.

“We gave out a little box of snacks. We also had a clothing drive,” she said. “We also had three hair stylist that were there along with a barber. We had a line for the hair cuts and they were a huge hit.”

Hallford said even though there were more people attending this year’s Back to School Bash than last year, she doesn’t think it’s necessarily because there’s a greater need.

“I think just a lot more people heard about it and came out than last year,” she said. “I think the need is just as great as last year. It was neat to be able to fill the needs that these students have.”

Hallford said they are already working on next year’s Back to School Bash.  Students in Franklin County go back to school on August 13th.