By Paul Brown
Colleton County Sheriff’s Office handed out free bookbags to children on August 4 at Nova Church
for the first Back to School Bash.
Approximately 750 clear bookbags were given to children who attended the event that also offered two jump castles, popcorn, chips, snow cones, Covid vaccines, and haircuts. The entire event was free.
From 5-8 p.m., hundreds of families lined up to receive the clear bookbags that were given by Sheriff’s Office personnel. The Colleton County School District is requiring clear bookbags for safety reasons, and the Sheriff’s Office, along with Koger Mortuary and Healthy Blue, decided to help parents who have multiple children who need the bags for school.
Deputy Corporal James Brown, community officer, wanted to make the event parent and kid friendly, so he contacted Nova Church pastor Dr. Zane Brown for assistance. Nova Church, located on Highway 15, has several acres of land that offered plenty of space for parking, jump castles and giveaways, as well as room inside for the free haircuts.
Backyard Bounce Rentals provided the jump castles, one of which offered a water slide. Children thoroughly enjoyed splashing during the extreme heat.
Free haircuts were donated by Allure Hair Studio with Shelly Norton, and Styles by Evette with barber Anthony Singleton. The haircuts helped prepare children for school and was a great help to parents.
Nova Church also prepared and donated free chips, popcorn and snow cones for the crowds.
The Elks Lodge was also present with its drug awareness trailer and handouts.
“We were happy to partner with the Sheriff’s Office and Koger Mortuary to provide this event for our neighbors and community,” said Dr. Brown. “We were delighted to offer this venue for the family friendly event.”
Even with the oppressive heat, the children were excited about the day and their bookbags that were already filled with school supplies.
Journey Williams was happy with her new bookbag. “I am going to kindergarten,” said Journey. “I am excited about going to school with my new bookbag.”
Sheriff Buddy Hill said he was gratified that the day went so well. “We do this every year, and it’s a way we can help the community and meet the citizens of Colleton.”
“This event was great. Everything went well. We are definitely going to do this again next year, and we plan to make it even better,” said Corporal Brown.
More Back to School Bashes were planned for August 6 at Magwood Bryant Road, August 7 at Gruber Street with Pillars for Hope, and the last will be on Sunday Aug. 14 from 3-6 p.m. at Elizabeth Church at 5710 Ritter Road.
