News Summary
As the back-to-school season nears, various communities across the Midlands are uniting to support local families through school supply drives and events. Initiatives include free public events hosted by police departments, featuring fun activities for children and providing essential supplies. Many gatherings are planned for the upcoming weeks, ensuring families have access to the tools needed for a successful school year while promoting community spirit.
Midlands, SC – As the back-to-school season approaches, several communities across the Midlands are coming together to support local families with various events and supply drives. These initiatives aim to provide students and parents with necessary school supplies and a fun, community-focused environment ahead of the upcoming school year.
The Gaston Police Department is set to kick off a free public back-to-school event on July 25 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at 131 N. Carlisle Street. This event will feature more than 300 fully stocked book bags available on a first-come, first-served basis, along with a foam party for children, bounce houses, slides, and free food.
In addition, the Cayce Police Department is hosting a back-to-school bash alongside a school supply drive that will run until July 25. Supplies will be distributed on July 31 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at Mount Pleasant Baptist Church. Attendees can enjoy activities such as snow cones and inflatables while they collect essential school supplies.
The Lee County community is also participating with a scheduled back-to-school event on July 25 from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Lee County Parks and Recreation located at 397 Chappell Drive, Bishopville. This event will provide free school supplies, music, and refreshments, with a requirement that a child must be present to receive the supplies.
On July 26, the Fairfield County Sheriff’s Office will be hosting its 4th annual Back-to-School Bash from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at 205 S Means Street, Ridgeway. This event will also provide free school supplies and food, with children required to be present for supply distribution.
Moreover, a larger school district back-to-school bash is set to take place on August 2 from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at 763 Fashion Drive, featuring games, music, giveaways, and free food, aimed at bringing the community together for a festive start to the school year.
The police department will also be organizing a Back-to-School Bash on July 23 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Birnie Hope Center on S. Purdy Street. This event will include activities ranging from face painting to balloon artists, in addition to free food, with children needing to attend with an adult.
A notable event—the 4th Annual Corey Mitchell MS Foundation Back-to-School Bash—recently took place at the Greenview Community Center. It provided hundreds of families with free supplies and included giveaways such as bikes and laptops, demonstrating the community’s commitment to supporting education.
The Won’t Quit Foundation hosted an event at Pinehurst Park, featuring sports activities like kickball and basketball, along with a splash pad, free food, and a focus on recognizing community members who positively impact the area.
Additionally, the Richland County Recreation Commission is organizing multiple Back-to-School Bashes throughout July and August to ensure that children receive necessary supplies before school begins. Events will take place at various locations, with specific dates including:
- Bluff Road Park: July 12 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Meadowlake Park: July 19 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Killian Park: July 26 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- Friarsgate Park: August 1 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Blythewood Park: August 2 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
- North Springs Park: August 4 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Hopkins Park: August 8 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Trenholm Park: August 9 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Parents interested in Richland County events can contact Kevin Crawford at 803-741-7272 (ext. 137) or email communications@rcrc.state.sc.us for more information.
With a focus on community, fun, and educational support, these events promise to equip families in the Midlands with the tools they need to kick off a successful school year.
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Additional Resources
- ABC Columbia: Back to School Events 2025
- WACH: Back to School Bash Brings Smiles and Supplies to Columbia Kids
- Cola Daily: Richland County Hosting Several Back-to-School Bashes
- WIS TV: City of Columbia Won’t Quit Foundation Hosts Back to School Bash
- Columbia Tribune: Missouri 2025 Back to School Sales Tax Holiday
- Wikipedia: Back to School
- Google Search: Back to School Events
- Google Scholar: Back to School Initiatives
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Back to School
- Google News: Back to School News
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