Gear up for school

With the first day of school less than three weeks away, two organizations will spend Saturday helping Warren County students prepare for the start of classes with free backpacks, school supplies and family activities.

Westwood Church of Christ will host its annual Free School Store from 9-11 a.m. Saturday in the Westwood Gym, located at 511 Morrison St. The event, made possible through funding from the Steve and Kate Smith Trust, will provide free backpacks and school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.

In addition to school supplies, families attending the event can enjoy a light breakfast and bounce houses while students shop for items needed for the upcoming school year.

The event has grown steadily in recent years. Last year's School Store drew more than 1,000 people and distributed more than 740 backpacks and supply packages to local students.

Later in the day, Young Men United and Underdogs Fighting Odds will host their annual Back to School Bash from 2-5 p.m. at 103 Bernard Dr.

Like the Westwood event, the Back to School Bash will provide free backpacks and school supplies while supplies last, but organizers are also planning an afternoon filled with activities for children and families.

The event will include food, games, a photo booth, ice cream, bounce houses and prize giveaways, along with gift cards and other surprises throughout the afternoon.

Last year's event drew hundreds of local students and their families to the Bernard Community Center for an afternoon of basketball, music and community fellowship while helping children prepare for the school year ahead.

The two giveaways come as Warren County students prepare to return to classrooms for the 2026-27 school year, which officially begins Wednesday, Aug. 5.

If your church or civic organization has a back-to-school event planned between now and the beginning of the school year, contact the Journal to let us help get the word out by emailing your information to rob.nunley@mainstreetmedia.llc.