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Sheriff’s office, Columbus Baptist Church holds Back-to-School Bash

TRYON—There were 400 Polk County students who received free backpacks full of school supplies over the weekend thanks to donations from the community. 

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office and Columbus Baptist Church partnered this year to hold a Back-to-School Bash on Saturday at the open-air gym at Harmon Field in Tryon. 

Sheriff’s office spokesperson Cindy Wicklund said the donations included 600 backpacks and they gave away 400 on Saturday. The remaining 200 will be distributed to any children in need by Polk County’s principals. 

Saturday’s event included food and fun things for the students participating. 

Several different agencies attended the event for demonstrations, including the sheriff’s office K9 unit, the North Carolina Highway Patrol, the National Guard, PEER, the Foothills Humane Society and Polk County Department of Social Services. 

Sheriff’s office staff and volunteers from the community and church worked the event.

Anyone in need of a backpack with school supplies can contact their school. 

District One Schools in South Carolina started back to school on Monday of this week. Polk County Schools begin next Monday, Aug. 23.