Celebrate the end of summer vacation and get the tools you need to start the school year right at the Back to School Bash on Thursday, August 2, from 11 am to 2 pm at the Headquarters Library (823 Telfair St., Augusta). This free event is sponsored by the Richmond County Council of PTAs, CareSource, and the Augusta-Richmond County Public Library System. There will be free school supplies for the first 500 children. Local barbers and stylists will provide free youth haircuts and styles, and Medical Associates Plus will offer free dental examinations for students as time permits. Families will also enjoy a free lunch, story time, games, raffles, and more fun activities. Over 30 local community organizations, government agencies, and businesses will also be on hand to share valuable information. Visit bit.ly/schoolbash18 for more information about the event.
 
The Richmond County Council of PTAs is well aware of the needs of children and families in our local schools, with over 40% of Richmond County youth under 18 living in poverty according to the Census Bureau’s American Community Survey. “It may not seem like much to some, but having school supplies, a new haircut, and a fun day out with the family is just too expensive for many local families. We’ve planned this event to be worthwhile and enjoyable for all families, no matter their circumstances,” says RCCPTA first vice-president Veronica Jordan. Trelanie Neville, CareSource community educator representative, explains that her organization’s “mission as a Georgia Medicaid and PeachCare provider is ‘to make a lasting difference in our members’ lives by improving their health and well-being.’ We are so happy to work with our partners on an event like the Back to School Bash that takes our mission to heart.”
 
Mashell Fashion, ARCPLS library director, explains that the library “is always looking for ways to bring new people in and add value to our patrons’ lives. We pride ourselves on providing free quality programs like this to our community, and our hope is that Back to School Bash attendees will learn how the library can support them in their education, whether they are toddlers developing early literacy skills or adult lifelong learners.”
 
Free parking for the Back to School Bash will be available on the streets and at Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church (953 Telfair St.) and Lutheran Church of the Resurrection (825 Greene St.). James Brown Boulevard will be closed between Greene and Telfair Streets from 8:30 to 5:30 pm on August 2 for this event. No parking is available at the Public Defender’s Office.
 
Special thanks to Coca-Cola, Pepsi-Cola, Garden City Ice and Treats, Medical Associates Plus, Derst Baking Company, Salon 24, Diamond Cuts, Kenneth Shuler School of Cosmetology, Georgia Institute of Cosmetology, Jason’s Deli, McDonald’s, and Blimpie for their generous donations to the Back to School Bash.