Planning is underway for the 12th annual Polk County Back to School Extravaganza, a charitable event that provides Polk County K-12 students with school supplies and other needed products. This year’s drive-through event will be held on the Bolivar High School campus, 1401 Hwy. D, Bolivar, on Saturday, August 8, from the new time of 8:00–10:00 a.m.
Spearheaded by Bolivar’s Open Hearts United Methodist Church, the extravaganza unites churches, businesses, organizations, and individuals to provide backpacks, school supplies, hygiene products, socks, undergarments, and more to Polk County K-12 students free of charge. Donations of supplies and money are being accepted now.
“It’s amazing how so many people from our county work together to help our students get a positive start back to school,” says Drake. “We want our kids excited about going to school. It’s a huge effort, and it takes lots of volunteers, money, and supplies to make it happen. But it’s so worth it to support our kids, families, and schools.”
Drake reminds parents and guardians that even though the drive-through setup allows all to stay in their vehicles, each student receiving supplies must be in the vehicle. Students can choose the color of their backpack, while supplies last.
“In addition to school supply donations, monetary donations go far in making this event happen,”
Drake adds. “Thankfully, we can pool our purchasing power and get more for our dollars when it comes to certain supplies, especially hygiene products,” Drake says. “If anyone is not sure what to purchase, or doesn’t have the time to shop, their monetary donations will be used wisely.”
To make donations, to volunteer, or for more information, contact the church at 417-326-4885.
Donations may also be dropped off at Open Hearts United Methodist Church, 105 E. Division, Bolivar.
