Students in the Athens City Schools district have less than a week before their school year begins, and Athens Church wants to make sure elementary and middle school students have the supplies they need to start the school year right.

To that end, the church will be hosting a back-to-school bash at the Pincham-Lincoln Center from 11 a.m.–1 p.m. Saturday. Tim Murray, one of the pastors at the church, said about 100 students have already been registered for vouchers to receive school supplies at the event, though there are still spots available for parents and guardians to get their student on the list.

Of course, there’s more to the party than handing out school supplies. The church will host kickball games and serve “beat-the-heat refreshments,” such as popsicles and ice cream.

“It’s just an attempt to try and help out some of the community children,” Murray said.

The church also wants students to start school with more than just the material tools, Murray said.

“We’re going to combine that with a word of encouragement about being good students and the impact they can make in their schools and communities,” Murray said. “A word about how God has used people before in the history of mankind.”

Those who wish to register a student can call Murray at 256-431-0174 or Athens Church at 256-233-5460.

“They can leave a message if we don’t answer,” Murray said. “We’ll call back, get the number of students and get them registered.”

While supplies and vouchers are limited, no voucher is required to participate in kickball or other event activities. Parents and guardians can still register their family to enjoy a few hours of free fun at the center.

“We’ve been trying to get people to register so we can have an idea of what to expect,” Murray said. “We don’t want to turn anyone away.”

Sunday at Lincoln-Bridgeforth

Redus Barber Shop will also be helping students kick the year off right. All ages are invited to Sunday’s annual back-to-school party, hosted by Tito Redus at the Lincoln-Bridgeforth Park tennis courts across from his shop and laundromat.

“I’ve been doing it about 10 years,” Redus said. “It’s a pretty big-sized event. We give away free school supplies, free hair cuts. We have beauticians that will do free hairdos.”

The food and entertainment is also free, Redus said. Hot dogs, burgers, chips and drinks will be provided to all who attend. A singing group from Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church will kick off the live musical entertainment at 5 p.m., and Redus said live music will continue through the rest of the event.

“It’s grown over the years,” Redus said. “Getting bigger and bigger. Each year, I try to add more vendors to set up, advertise their business, give out pencils or papers, something like that.”

There are no restrictions or registrations required. All a student needs to do is show up.

“As long as you’re in school, kindergarten to 12th grade and even if they’re going into college, you’re welcome as well,” Redus said.