BY KARISSA MILLER

More than 1,000 families turned out Saturday for the 2024 Back 2 School Bash, an event that helps local students start the new academic year ready for success.

One of Iredell County’s largest school supply giveaways, the Back 2 School Bash is an annual community outreach sponsored and supported by individuals, local area businesses, non-profits and churches.

Nicole Beam, lead facilitator, said the event, which was held at West Iredell High School, helps meet the needs of families in the community.

“I want families to know that you are loved. Your community cares about you. Our goal is to make sure that every child has the opportunity to start school fresh and ready and to feel confident about their school year,” Beam explained.

The outpouring of support from the community “is something beautiful to see,” she said.

Some of the people who helped collect supplies for the Back 2 School Bash were also among those handing them out on Saturday.

Mom Tammy Riffle said she’s thankful for the event.

“It helps families out and really takes a lot of the stress off of them,” she said.

Her son, who said he’s both nervous and excited, is getting ready to start ninth grade at West Iredell High School.

Around 200 volunteers helped staff various stations throughout the school. The shoe room proved to be a popular destination.

Jasmine Rivera, 8, who will be a third-grader at Sharon Elementary, received a new pair of socks and shoes.

“I like my shoes. I will probably need them for school,” she explained.

Carter Kincaid, 17, who is the Carolina Dogwood Queen, volunteered after hearing about the event through the pageant and said Saturday was a humbling experience.

“Kids are the backbone of the community. It is where everything starts. So helping children helps the community as a whole,” said the North Iredell High School student and shoe runner.

Another volunteer, Clayton Holland, 20, who traveled from Shelby to help out, directed people during the event.

“It feels really good seeing the kids smile … and it makes me happy,” Holland said.

He explained that being able to have something as simple as a new backpack can help a child fit in at school and even bond over a shared interest, which could lead to a new friendship.

In addition to providing shoes, backpacks and basic supplies, the event offered a chance for families to connect with nearly two dozen community agencies that offer healthcare, counseling, and other important services for families.

Emily Speece, area practice administrator for Kintegra Healthcare Iredell County, said her organization got involved to let the community to know that they provide health screenings, dental and other services regardless of a person’s ability to pay.

Kintegra staff set up a mock house where students and families could visit each room of the house to learn about healthy habits and lifestyle. Each room offered different resources.

“We wanted to prepare kids for the school year. How can they have a healthy snack handy and learn about proper sleep and hygiene,” she explained.

Speece wanted to thank all of the groups that participated, including Food Lion, Grill 4 God Ministries, Rams Kitchen, Wellcare and Iredell Health System.

While the lines were sometimes long, it gave many of the volunteers an opportunity to get to know the families and kids. Iredell-Statesville Schools Superintendent Jeff James and his wife Tammy greeted many of the families.

The first day of school for most Iredell-Statesville Schools students is August 12.

Photo Gallery