From STAFF REPORTS

ELLAVILLE — Schley County families enjoyed a day of fun on Saturday, July 22 at the Schley County Public Health Department getting their children ready for school at the Back to School Bash hosted by local organizations and service and prevention agencies.
At the event, the Schley County Health Department provided free blood pressure checks and health education information to over 150 families. The Schley County Family Connection Collaborative gave out free school supplies and refreshments to over 225 children in Schley County.
Kristy Smith, nurse manager, Schley County Health Department, said, “I’d like to thank the families and children who came out to participate in the Back To School Bash which could not have been possible without those who donated their time, school supplies, door prizes and treats for the children.”
Participating vendors who helped make the back to school bash a success included Schley County Family Connection, Phoebe Sumter Medical Center, Southwest Georgia Health Care of Ellaville, Ellaville Convenient Care, Southwest Georgia CASA, Columbus Early Interventions, Babies Can’t Wait, Children’s Medical Services, Peach State Healthcare for Kids, Peach State Health Plans, South Georgia Technical College, Georgia Families and the Georgia Department of Public Health.
Those whose donations made the event possible include Electric-Tek LLC, Sue Hite, Ellaville Baptist Joy Club, Jack and Earlene Cox, Doris Harden, Nyu Hope 4 Ville, Carlene Beckwith, Judy Orton Grissett, Ellaville Floral and Gift, Ellaville Piggly Wiggly, the Schley County School System, Peggy Smith and the Americus Walmart, and Nathan Peck of Americus Snoball and Ice Co. and Ellaville Snoballs.
Local donors donated $860 to purchase school supplies for this year’s event. Without the financial assistance of both vendors and donors, this event would not be possible, said John Greene, Schley County Family Connection coordinator.