Back 2 School Bash provides supplies, support for Polk County students

Published 1:11 pm Monday, August 4, 2025

COLUMBUS—The annual Back 2 School Bash, organized collaboratively by Columbus Baptist Church and the Polk County Sheriff’s Department, took place on Saturday, August 2, aiming to support local families as they prepare for the upcoming school year. Sheriff Tim Wright highlighted the collaborative efforts behind this year’s school supply giveaway. 

“Midway Baptist Church is sponsoring the hot dog lunch, helping us keep our community fed and energized. Columbus First Baptist Church continues to provide the crucial backpacks for our kids,” he said. “PCSO Chaplain Chris Osborn organized the local groups, while our volunteers have been instrumental in making this event a success.”

With over $4,000 worth of school supplies gathered from Walmart, organizers worked to ensure that every child would return to school equipped for success. The event saw around 450 free backpacks distributed, demonstrating the growing need for such support within the area.

The Hope Chest, a nonprofit in Columbus, also held its Fancy Feet Shoe Giveaway again this year, providing brand-new shoes to over 320 students.

The Bash featured special attractions, including appearances from State Bureau of Investigation bomb disposal robots, local fire departments with their fire trucks, and school resource officers, fostering familiarity and trust between students and law enforcement. 

“It’s great for the kids to meet their resource officers in a non-threatening setting,” Wright said. “We want to build relationships and show them that we’re here to help. We love the community we live in, and we want to do everything we can to support our students.”

Reverend Ron Randall of Midway Baptist and a team of nine volunteers from the church provided lunch for the attendees. 

“Chaplain Osborn asked us if we could provide the meal, and we gladly accepted his offer,” Rev. Randall said. “It was perfect timing and a great way for us to help our community.”

In addition to the many giveaways, Salon 3:15, along with stylists from Magnolia Hair Salon and the Hair Company, offered free haircuts to students, ensuring they could return to school feeling confident and ready. 

This year marks the sixth anniversary of the Back 2 School Bash, which has become a helping hand at the end of the summer for many families in the area.