WINTER HAVEN, Fla. — We are less than a month away from the new school year, and with that, means Back to School shopping.
In order to help alleviate some of those expenses for families, Polk County Sheriff’s Office hosted its first of two Back to School Bash events.
It’s like Christmas in July for Kayla Rys and her family. They’re participating in their first Back to School Bash.
Rys said events like these are crucial to prepare children for the school year. For her daughter, it means she’ll have the tools necessary to learn.
“Right now, I’m not working, so I’m trying to get school supplies for her, and it just helps families out that need the help,” she said.
The event is in its fifth year, and it continues to grow. This year, 2,000 backpacks will be given out, which includes materials like paper, binders, crayons, erasers and more.
Rys said it’s not just about the school supplies, but about making connections as well.
“It shows that they’re involved and really focused on the community,” she said.
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd says it’s taken everyone to make sure this event is a success year-round.
And part of the reason he loves this event is to help build connections.
“It’s not just the Sheriff’s Office, it’s Polk Sheriff Charities, which is our charity. It’s different donors from the community, they all join us as well,” he said.
As the event grows, he wants to provide some relief for parents. It’s why this event is held in several parts of the county to reach more students and their families.
“A lot of parents are scrambling just to pay the rent and fill the cabinet with food,” Judd said. “We want to help.”
Although this may have been Rys’ first time attending, she says it won’t be her last.
“It’ll just help prepare (my daughter) for the school year and get her ready and I’m happy that people are helping,” she said.
As Rys continues to watch her child grow, she’s looking toward the future of her child’s education.
If you missed out on today’s event, you will have another opportunity on July 27.