By Eason Franklin
The Lowndes Signal

Some Lowndes County students will be getting free school supplies before the beginning of the 2010-2011 semester.
In an effort to put school supplies in the hands of Lowndes County students, the Bethlehem Christian Church, the Lowndes County EMA and the Breaking the Chain organization will be hold back-to-school programs the first weekend in Aug.
The Ft. Deposit Praise Fest will be held July 31 at the Ft. Deposit Community Park behind the National Guard Armory by the Bethlehem Christian Church and Edgewood Tutorial Center.
The Praise Fest will be a one day event to give out book bags, pens, paper, toiletries and other classroom essentials.
“There are so many at-risk children in the area and the needs of parents at this time is great,” said Bethlehem Christian Church Pastor Dennie Stanford. “We are trying to bring the family together for spiritual enrichment and provide parents and children assistance as they go back to school.”
Like the Praise Fest, other back-to-school programs will provide children with school supplies and games and activities for entertainment.
Pastor Franklin Nettles of the Breaking the Chain organization will be holding a similar program off Trickham Rd. in White Hall across from the Four-Five Bar and Grill.
“We are trying to target elementary schools through high schools,” said Nettles. “We wanted to give back to the community.”
The back-to-school rally will be held Aug. 7 from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. with gospel DJ Alonzo Caldwell as entertainment for the children.
The Lowndes County EMA office will also be coordinating efforts with churches throughout Lowndes County to hold Sunday School for Schools.
Churches are being asked to collect financial offerings or bring school supply donations to the church to either be distributed by the churches or the Lowndes County EMA office. The event will last from Aug. 8 through Sept. 8.
“Parents have been used to the norm of not having to buy some school supplies,” said EMA Director Walter Hill. “This will be the first county-wide initiative to distribute school supplies to students.”
The events are a continuation from previous years that have drawn over 500 students and parents from throughout Lowndes County.