A line of over 700 people wrapped around the Poplar Bluff Kindergarten Center on Saturday as families anxiously awaited entry to receive free school supplies, free haircuts and other resources for the incoming school year.
This was the second year for the Back-To-School Bash, and turnout doubled, said organizer Rosa Johnson. Inside the center’s gymnasium stood many organization representatives at their booths, ready to give away information about their programs and an array of supplies for the new students and their families. Brightly colored duffel bags full of essential school supplies were given to each student at the first booth and then were directed to visit the others to receive more information and other essentials.
“622 students were helped and 900 people walked through the door,” shared Johnson, who hopes to do the event again next year with an even bigger turnout. “384 haircuts (were given) from Vanity Lounge, First Class Fades, Bluebird Salon. 300 hot dogs (were served) from Bread Shed, and several vendors helped give away supplies.”
Local Girl Scouts had 40 new members sign up, said Johnson, the largest they have ever received at one event.
There were also two pages of sign-ups for the Excel Center and Head Start.
“It was a great turnout. Although we ran out of backpacks, everyone in line walked away with something,” she said.
Along with the supplies, a raffle was held for three lucky students. The prizes of the raffle included a new bike for a girl, a new bike for a boy, and a $50 gift card, plus a free haircut.
The Girl Scouts booth offered information about their club, and gave young girls an opportunity to get involved with the organization. Missouri Highlands Healthcare gave away notebooks and pencil boxes with crayons, pencils and glue sticks. Southside Youth Group gave out large boxes of cereal, Gatorades and snacks to everyone who passed their booth.
The Excel Center gave away suckers, pencils and information about their education for adults program. Nancy Sliger, director of The Excel Center, shed some light on their free classes for adults not finished with high school, as well as their free daycare for students in need. Adults interested can attend their orientation days at 10 a.m., 1 p.m., 2:15 p.m. and 5 p.m. Thursday or 10 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2:15 p.m. Friday at the Excel Center.
The Addiction is Real organization offered information about drug safety protocol. They also had a small sample bedroom set up demonstrating all the places drugs may be hiding in a student’s bedroom. Erin Johnston, executive director of Addiction is Real, said it is important for parents to have conversations with their children about drug safety early and often in order to increase their awareness of the dangers of certain drugs such as vapes laced with lethal fentanyl.
Families gathered into the cafeteria to enjoy freshly grilled hot dogs, popcorn, cotton candy and refreshments, all provided by the Bread Shed, which also distributed hand sanitizers and boxes of school supplies.
When a group of students were asked what they were most excited about for the new school year, two girls exclaimed that they were most excited to start math class. Another answered with making new friends and seeing her old friends, to which the others agreed with being one of their favorite things about school.
Poplar Bluff schools return to session Aug. 21.