Royston Housing Authority to Hold “Back to School Bash” in July
It may seem a little too early to be talking about going back to school, but in Franklin County kids will be going back to class on August 16th and many parents are already starting to prepare their students for the new school year.
But not all parents can afford all of the clothes and supplies their children will need to start class.
That’s why the Royston Housing Authority in collaboration with Pleasant Grove Baptist Church in Bowman, the Royston Police Department and the Northeast Georgia Food Bank are holding a “Back to School Bash” on July 20th at the Old Royston Gym.
Royston Housing Authority Director Charity Halford said the goal is empower students and their families for success in health, education and safety.
“We’re hoping to organize with other churches so we can have the fund raisers all in one play at the old Royston gym track,” Halford said.
Halford said unlike other back to school fund raisers, the Back to School Bash is designed to offer students and the community a chance to obtain information from a variety of businesses, churches, and organizations about programs available to them and their children.
“There will be health screenings, and we’re hoping to find dentists to teach children about dental health,” she said. “We’re just hoping to have a variety of resources available to help students get started on the right foot.”
Halford is asking now for local businesses and other organizations to help put on this event and she says there are a number of ways to pitch in, such as donating book bags and back packs filled with school supplies.
“We’re just asking for the general school supplies, pencils, erasers notebooks, paper, binders,” Halford said. “No liquids or anything that could spill or melt in the summer heat; just the basic supplies that will get them started.”
All back packs will be distributed to elementary through high school-aged children. Halford said they are hoping to collect at least 500 book bags.
Other ways to help out with the Back to School Bash include hosting a booth with information about your organization or business or helping with food distribution.
“We have a tractor-trailer load of food and that requires a lot of help,” she said. “If anyone wants to help just call us at the Housing Authority.”
Halford said packing food boxes is a good project for youth groups to get involved with.
“It’s a lot of hard work, but it’s very rewarding at the same time,” she said.
Halford said they hope to have enough to distribute food boxes to 600 low-income families.
Monetary donations are also welcome according to Halford. She said no one who wants to volunteer will be turned away.
For more information or to sign up for the Back to School Bash, contact Halford or Krista Williams at 706-245-7277.