Photo: Samantha and Connor Ziller promoted Back to School Orange County at the Recent Cops'nKids picnic at Claiborne West Park. Preregistration for the free school supply program for Orange County students is now underway. RECORD PHOTO: Penny LeLeux

Penny LeLeux

For The Record

It’s almost time for the annual school supply giveaway sponsored by Back to School Orange County. The program was started due to the end of the Texas desktop program several years ago.

“As a result many families were in need,” said members of the Back to School Orange County Executive Board. “So 18 churches came together to help fill in the gap to ensure that no child would be left empty handed on their first day of school.”

This year, the event is scheduled 9 a.m.-noon, Aug. 3 at Lamar State College-Orange Student Center.

“We have since been joined by area businesses and organizations to help meet the growing/changing needs of our community,” stated the board members.

Besides school supplies, an immunization clinic will offer shots for all children pre-K to 18 years old. Vaccinations are offered with no out of pocket expense with insurance coverage. Bring your insurance card. Those without insurance may obtain vaccines at $5 per vaccine.

“Any child registered to attend an Orange County school for 2019-2020 school year is eligible. We will have more than 50 booths handing out additional supplies, free haircuts, immunizations, eye screens, game truck, laser tag and giveaways during the event,” the board members added.

Preregistration began Monday for Back to School Orange County at Orange Christian Services located at2518 W. Park Ave., Orange. Registration is 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Monday-Thursday through July 25. The phone number is 409-886-0938. You can also preregister Saturday, July 20 from 8-11 a.m. at the Lamar State College Orange Student Center located at 407 Green Ave. Orange. Phone number is 409-883-7750.

“Families are encouraged to preregister to reserve their backpack of supplies now.” Limited registration will continue the day of the event, but supplies are limited. Students will be served on a first come first served basis.

Parents or legal guardians must be present with children and must bring proof of child’s enrollment in an Orange County School. Acceptable proof of enrollment is a student ID, report card or letter from the school.

For more information about Back to School Orange County refer to their web site backtoschoolorange.com or their Facebook page @backtoschoolorange.

If you would like to make a monetary donation, make checks payable to Orange Christian Services with the memo line of Back to School Orange. You can also give via their website under “Donate.”

If you would like to volunteer at the event or other activities, email their event coordinator, Steven Burks, at [email protected]