By Dawn Burleigh

The Orange Leader

 

As the first day of school looms ahead, organizations are striving to ensure every child has the needed supplies to start off the new year.

Back to School Orange County is once again offering local students and families free school supplies just in time for the start of the 2018-2019 school year. The event happens from 9 a.m. – noon, Saturday, Aug. 4 inside the Student Center of Lamar State College-Orange in downtown Orange.

Preregistration is required for the event. Supplies are limited and will be served on a first come, first served basis. Limited registration will be available on the day of the event.

All parents or legal guardians must be present with children. Parents must bring proof of the child’s or children’s enrollment in an Orange County school district, such as student ID, report card or a letter from the school district.

Vaccinations are free to students with CHIP and/or Medicaid. Students must have valid card on the day of the event, otherwise the cost is $14 for one shot and $10 for each additional shot per child.

Last year, the event provided 1000 bags of supplies, free hair cuts, Vision Screenings, immunizations to students, free children books, socks and underwear, backpacks to every child that attended and the ability to connect many families to free services in Orange County, according to its website.

We Believe It Takes a Village will host a Back To School Drive, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 11, at Thayer Dance Academy located at 1201 North 16^th Street in Orange.

The 501(3)c non profit is collecting new and used items for families. Names of those in need will remain anonymous. Any items not distributed to students will be split between area schools.

We Believe It Takes a Village is also collecting gift cards to donate to teachers to be used for classroom supplies.

“If you write a school district s check please make it out to that school so that I can deliver it and get a receipt,” Bianca Garrett said in a Facebook post concerning the event.

Gate City Guild #42 is also hosting a Back 2 School: School Supply Give Away. It will be held from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 18, at Lion’s Den Park in Orange. It is a free event. Children must be present with parents. The guild recently held a Biker and Car Festival to help raise funds for this event.

Teens Making a Difference is hosting a back to school event from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. on Sunday, August 19 at Lions Den Park in Orange. $5 haircuts will be available from 2 p.m. – 5 p.m. Activities will include face painting, 7 on 7 football tournament, waterslides, bounce houses, and valley ball.