Newton Citizen

Photo by Newton Citizen

COVINGTON -- Students needing supplies for the upcoming school year can get a little help by attending the 2011 Back 2 School Block Party this weekend.

The annual event is scheduled from 3 to 5:30 p.m. Sunday on Newton Drive between Anderson and Mill streets in Covington.

Originally, event organizers had planned for families to register for supplies, which would be sent to the child's school at the beginning of the school year. However, this week, they announced that it would be similar to years past in which they would hand out supplies.

At the event, students in kindergarten through eighth grades and their parents can register for supplies between 3 and 4:30 p.m. in the Sharp Learning Center media center on Newton Drive. Then, the supplies will be distributed beginning at 5:15 p.m. in the same location. Only Newton County students can register for supplies, according to Josephine Kelly, director of Main Street Covington.

This year, schools, school clubs and community organizations plan to have information and representatives at the event. Newton READS, Girl Scouts of Greater Atlanta, Keep Covington/Newton Beautiful, Troy University and Sylvan Learning are some of those expected to be present. The Oaks Golf Course will have a golf event set up and also offer some mini scholarships for students who want to participate in golf this year.

Entertainment will include a DJ, Alcovy High School cheerleaders, Newton High School football players and cheerleaders and Springfield Baptist Church's Heavenly Doves kids dance ministry team.

Liberty Mutual will raffle off four $50 Visa gift cards, and gift cards from Amici Italian Cafe, Chick-fil-A and Applebee's also will be raffled during the event.

"We are so thankful and grateful for the supporters," said Jeff Meadors, co-chair of the event and a member of the Newton County Board of Education.

Those interested can still drop off needed supplies. Although donations of all supplies are welcome, the most needed ones include No. 2 pencils, mechanical pencils, blue and black ink pens, graph paper and dividers.

Supplies and donations can be dropped off at the Main Street Covington Office at 2104 Washington St. in Covington. Donations are tax deductible for the 501(c)3 event.

More information about donating or being a part of the event is available by calling 770-385-2077 or emailing mscovington@cityofcovington.org.