With just over one month remaining before the annual Back to School Bash, organizers are continuing efforts to collect school supplies and recruit volunteers to help local students prepare for the upcoming school year.
The event is scheduled for July 16, 2026, and organizers hope to serve 400 students by providing backpacks, school supplies, haircuts, and community resources.
According to organizers, donations received so far include 288 book bags, 350 erasers, 59 spiral notebooks, 96 pencil sharpeners, 50 pairs of scissors, 44 glue sticks, 24 highlighters, 40 pencils, and a variety of other school supplies. Despite the progress, additional donations are still needed to meet the goal of serving 400 students.
Several community organizations, agencies, businesses, and volunteers have already committed their support. Participants include Early Head Start, the Chattooga County Library, Atrium Health Chattooga, the Chattooga County Health Department, the Community Resource Center, the Cancer Coalition, the Summerville Recreation Department, and others.
Organizers have also secured four hairstylists who will provide free haircuts during the event, but they are seeking at least two additional stylists or barbers to assist.
Donations of school supplies, financial sponsorships, and volunteers are still being accepted. Anyone interested in helping may contact Maisha Ludy at 706-388-9849 or by email at maishaludy@gmail.com.
Organizers say community support will help ensure local students begin the new school year equipped with the tools and resources they need to succeed.
