The Community Resource Center of Chattooga County’s (CRC) annual Back to School Bash soared past its goals this past week, providing essential supplies to 476 students from Chattooga and Trion counties and ensuring they are well-equipped for the upcoming academic year.

Held at Chattooga High School, the popular event aimed to serve 400 students but significantly exceeded that number, a testament to overwhelming community support.

“This morning I counted the names on our registration list, and I’m so excited to share that we served a total of 476 students yesterday!” announced Maisha Ludy, Director of the Community Resource Center of Chattooga County. “Our goal was 400, and we went above and beyond!”

The bash provided much-needed school supplies, alleviating a significant financial burden for many local families as students prepare to return to class. Chattooga County students will start their school year this Friday, while Trion students are set to return on August 1st.

Ludy expressed profound gratitude for the collective effort that made the event possible. “I’m incredibly thankful for every single person who played a part in making this happen. This event would not have been possible without your donations, contributions, and time. Volunteers, you are truly amazing!” she stated.

The director highlighted the strong sense of unity observed leading up to and during the event. “While preparing for this event, I witnessed something beautiful—our entire community coming together. Organizations, churches, businesses, and individuals all united for one common goal: to support our students.”

Ludy chose to offer a broad thank you rather than risk inadvertently omitting any crucial contributors, emphasizing that the success was a shared achievement. “This event was not just mine—it was all of ours,” she added.

A new planning committee was formed this year, which Ludy credited as a major factor in the event’s enhanced success. She extended special appreciation to several key contributors, including:

• Resource providers who offered additional support and services.
• Local barbers and stylists who provided essential grooming services.
• Event photographer Kayla Crider, who captured the day’s moments.
• DJ Zander Martin, who kept the atmosphere lively.
• Grill master Dan Mosteller, who provided food for attendees.
• The Ice Hole LLC, for their refreshing contributions.
• Dedicated teachers who came out to support their students.
• School administrators, principals, the superintendent, and the school board, whose presence and backing made a lasting impact.

The 2025 Back to School Bash has been hailed as a resounding success, setting a high standard for community collaboration in support of educational readiness.