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School supplies are confidence builders

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Lining up for a free backpack at the 2024 Back to School Bash in Forest City.

Rutherford County's traditional public school students begin the 2025-26 school year on Monday, August 11. Already in session are students at Forest City Dunbar Elementary School, the county's only year-round school. Students attending Lake Lure Classical Academy also begin on August 11 and Thomas Jefferson Classical Academy students begin August 13. Private schools and homeschooled students have varying schedules, but everything is true for every student -- school supplies are needed for every grade beginning with kindergarten to the senior year of high school.

To help families, guardians, foster parents with school supplies, and even dental check-ups for children and young people, several groups and organizations are partnering to make life a bit easier by hosting back-to-school events.

Supplies are continued to be collected for the two separate school supply drives on Saturday, August 2 at POPS in Forest City, and on Thursday, August 7 at the Spindale House.

Volunteers, supplies and donations are needed and appreciated for these events.

Spindale House, August 7

Serene Haven Apartments in Spindale is teaming up with Pure Country Radio 100.9, Rutherfordton and the Spindale House for this year's Back to School Lunchbox Drive on Thursday August 7 from 3 to 6pm on the lawn of the Spindale House.

According to Tia Scruggs, executive director at Serene Haven, the "lunch-box drive" is so much more than donating a lunchbox for students to carry snacks or even lunch to school each day. (Rutherford County Schools provide free breakfast and lunch.) It's about building confidence.

"Hundreds of local children in Rutherford County are heading back to school, and we want to make sure each of them has a lunchbox that makes them feel proud and prepared," said Scruggs.

In addition to a colorful lunch box, children will have an opportunity to receive a haircut, dental check-up, bike helmets, safety information and school supplies.

"We're calling on our amazing community to donate new lunchboxes for kids of all ages. Bright colors, fun designs, or classic styles-anything that brings a smile," said Tia.

"Every lunchbox you donate helps a child walk into school a little more confident," said Scruggs, a statement repeated by others collecting school supplies this year.

The drop-off location for the lunchboxes is through August 6 at Serene Haven Apartments 144 Steward Street, Spindale (former First Baptist Church, Spindale).

"Spread the word, spread the kindness--and let's make this school year unforgettable for Rutherford County's kids," said Scruggs.

For questions or to get involved stop by Serene Haven Apartments or call 828-380-4766.

Back 2 School Bash, August 2 at POPS

On August 2 beginning at 10am at POPS (Park on Pavilion Square, Forest City) students and families are invited to the third annual Countywide Back 2 School Bash, in partnership with the Town of Forest City Movement Fest (second year). Anyone and everyone needing school supplies and other materials is encouraged to attend.

In 2024, there were 1,050 people attending the event and more than 24 organizations participated, said Kisha McDowell, executive director of the Grahamtown Team.

"We provided more than 700 backpacks and we are seeking donations, sponsors and volunteers to help us reach 750 to 800 backpacks distributed this year," McDowell said.

The event is a widely attended family event with vendors from across Rutherford County who are reaching out to youth and families and inviting them to learn about their organization and how they can serve the families of Rutherford County.

McDowell said there are eight categories of vendors including school systems, libraries, health care, and social services that will be on hand to provide information and other supplies.

To receive a backpack with age-appropriate school supplies in each bag, students and families will need to stop at the registration tables upon entering POPS, complete their scavenger hunt card and return it for a backpack. Completing the scavenger hunt cards gets them to the various tables from each category.

"This year we are excited to welcome back our vendors and want to make sure that vendors know we have a cap of 34, so please get your $50 vendor donation in and lock in a spot at this great event," McDowell added.

On Friday, August 1, prior to the event, there is a need for 20-25 volunteers to pack school supply bags from 4 to 8pm for distribution on Saturday.

Volunteers are also needed on Saturday, from 8am to 3pm to help at the bash.

McNair youth needing volunteer hours to qualify for future scholarships, are encouraged to volunteer. For information call 828-375-9315.

A special thanks to churches and organizations who have already sponsored back-to-school supply events. At Maw-Maw's Cheer, supplies are also available for students by calling 828-289-1475.

Receiving needed supplies is more than just a backpack, lunchbox or pencils - it's a confidence builder.

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