GREENVILLE — The time is almost here for the annual Greenville North Community Association Back to School Extravaganza.

The annual event will be Aug. 20, from 9 to 11 a.m. on the parking lot of the Wesley Chapel CME Church, 2100 Kennedy, in the Washington Heights subdivision.

“This event is an outreach program meant to motivate and promote education and continuous positive images within the north community,” said Emily Cozine Thompson, founder and president of the GNCA. “All students are welcome, but this is more than just a school supply giveaway program, as under the tent, motivational speakers will be on hand, as well as other entertainment.”

The day will include free games and food, with the association asking churches and organizations to sponsor a game, bounce house, food table or anything else that will appeal to the youth.

In addition to games and food, haircuts, school supplies, back packs and school uniforms will also be given away. This year there will be preregistration dates and rules set in an attempt to allow more children to get school uniforms.

The association will preregister children in grades kindergarten through 12 for school supplies from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., July 25-27, at Grace & Mercy-Grundy Funeral Home, 2120 Hemphill, and from 5 to 7 p.m. July 28 at Wesley Chapel CME Church, 2100 Kennedy.

The first 65 to register will be guaranteed a new free school uniform. Others will receive free uniform articles by means of a free school supply storefront that will be set up that day on a first come-first served basis. Some uniforms will be available in the form of a game prize under the tent.

All preregistered students will receive a backpack and supplies, with those that did not preregister receiving what is left.

“In order for us to make this happen, we are asking each church and organization for $50 for school supplies and another $50 for school uniforms,” said Thompson. “You may purchase these items and bring them to us, but before you purchase a school uniform, please do so after the preregistration dates so we will know the student’s size.”

The extravaganza is for kindergarten through 12th grade and for pre-kindergarten students who need school supplies. Volunteers and barbers are still needed for the event.



For more information, to volunteer and offer other assistance, contact Emily Cozine Thompson at 903-269-0349. Donations can be made out to the Greenville North Community Association at P.O. Box 442, Greenville, 75403 Attn: School Benefit.