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Officer Sofia Contreras prepares items for the kids. (Photo by Storme Smith)

The Hope Chest volunteers Donna Wood, Nathan Honeycutt, and Jeremy Wood. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Pastor Timothy Fortune and his wife Michelle, Cyndi Blanchard, Neela Loflin, and Carole McEntire. (Photo by Storme Smith)

NC SBI demonstrated robotic equipment at the event. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Polk County Sheriff Tim Wright hands out hot dogs to the kids. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Columbus Baptist Pastor Timothy Fortune (Photo by Storme Smith)

Students Josalyn Davis and Kimber Palmer hand out bags with supplies. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Wanda Owens and Corinna Ferguson handed out items from the Free Clinics. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Jamaal Dion and Marjorie Vestal represented Health & Human Services. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Freedom Hill Farm & Rescue introduced kids to their reptilian friends. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Stylist Stella Tallon cuts a young lady's hair. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Officer Sofia Contreras helps a young student pick out supplies. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Friends Michelle and Kristyn with their new backpacks. (Photo by Storme Smith)

Kids picked their new backpacks from a wide selection. (Photo by Storme Smith)

MILL SPRING—The annual Back 2 School Bash, organized by Columbus Baptist Church and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, was held on Saturday, August 3, at Polk County Middle School. Roughly 450 backpacks were handed out at the event, which aimed to support students and their families as they prepare for the upcoming school year by providing free school supplies, information, and more.

Now in its fifth year, the event provided students with backpacks, notebooks, binders, erasers, pencils, and even haircuts at no cost. It also introduces kids and parents to other services and programs available in the area. 

“We wanted to do something for the kids, to make it easier on them as they go back to school and make sure they have all the tools they need to succeed,” said Sheriff Tim Wright, the initiator of the event.

PCSO Chaplain Chris Osborn mentioned that community support has been instrumental in the event’s growth over the years. “The event has grown over the years thanks to a lot of support from the community,” said Osborn. ‘We wouldn’t be able to do this without their donations. It’s all for the children, and every little bit helps.”

The Columbus Baptist Church played a pivotal role in the event, raising funds and providing a diverse range of school supplies and backpacks. 

“This is such a great event, and we’re thrilled to be partnering with the Sheriff’s Department to support our children and help them develop and grow,” said Pastor Timothy Fortune. 

His wife, Michelle Fortune, added, “This event is a wonderful opportunity to give back to our community and to help the kids start the school year strong, Wolverine strong.”

The event’s success was also made possible by the generous contributions of various donors, volunteers, and sponsors, including the Department of Social Services, the Free Clinics, Blue Ridge Health, Freedom Hill Farm & Rescue, Carolina Chiropractic Plus, The Sanctuary at Red Bell Run, Salon 3:15, The Hope Chest, The Equine Journey, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, MAHEC Dental Health Center, and the N.C. State Bureau of Investigations.

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