With the annual Back-to-School Bash less than a month away, organizers with Chattooga Family Connection are continuing to collect school supplies and financial donations to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.

According to Chattooga Family Connection, the goal is to provide school supplies for at least 400 students from Chattooga and Trion schools. While hundreds of items have already been donated, organizers say many essential supplies are still needed before the event takes place next month.

Among the items collected so far are 288 book bags, 350 erasers, 96 pencil sharpeners, 59 spiral notebooks, 50 pairs of scissors, 44 glue sticks, and 40 pencils. Donations of notebook paper, binders, dividers, crayons, highlighters, pencil pouches, and other school supplies are still being accepted.

Individuals and businesses wishing to contribute can donate school supplies or make monetary donations through Chattooga Family Connection. Organizers say every contribution, regardless of size, helps ensure local students have the tools they need to begin the school year successfully.

The Back-to-School Bash is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, from 4 p.m. until 6 p.m. at the Chattooga High School gymnasium. The event is open to students from both the Chattooga County and Trion City school systems.

Chattooga County Schools are scheduled to return to class on July 24, while Trion City Schools will resume classes on July 30.