Countywide supply giveaways for students 

school supplies

Buying school clothes and supplies should be a little easier for parents in Columbus County this year. Uniforms were done away with in May, after multiple complaints by parents and students, and many organizations are setting up supply drives throughout the area.  

The H.E.A.R.T.S Foundations will be hosting their annual back to school drive on Saturday, July 30, at 3 p.m. The organization will be giving away bookbags filled with notebook paper, composition books, erasers, pencils, binders, and more. The giveaway will be at 116 Miller Street in Chadbourn.  

Change Brings Choices, and school supplies, on Saturday, July 30, from 11 a.m.- 3 p.m. at 137 Jenkins Road in Clarkton. The group will have a bouncy house waterslide, food, music, and backpack giveaway loaded with goodies for youngsters. If you have any questions, contact Glenwood Davis at 910.840.1208. 

Nakina Fire and Rescue Department will be Takin’ it to the Streets on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. The station will be giving away free food and school supplies to children and their families at 214 Ramsey Ford Road in Nakina.  

Tabor City Gym willing hosting a back-to-school drive on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 10 a.m., until they run out. The facility is located at 107 Live Oak Street in Tabor City.  

The eastern end of the county will not be left out when it comes to helping out the community. The Greater Bolton Church of God in Christ will also be holding a free back to school giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 6, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. The church is located at 150 Blacksmith Road in Bolton.  

Southeastern Community College will have the Chris Wilcox Family Fun Day on Saturday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Activities include a book bag giveaway, campus tours, registration for fall SCC classes, food, games, vendors, and more. The college is located at 4564 Chadbourn Highway in Whiteville.  

Whiteville City Schools is now accepting new and gently used shoe donations for their community service event 100 Kicks for Kids. Drop-off locations include the WCS Board of Education, located at 107 West Walter Street, and at the Flavaz clothing store at 1616 South Madison Street Suite F. The donation deadline is Aug. 22, and the distribution day will be on Aug. 25. The location is still pending. 

There is good news for parents at Old Dock Elementary School. Students will not be required to purchase any school supplies the 2022-2023 school year. Kids will be given all instructional materials on the first day of class, but parents are encouraged to buy any additional items they think their child may need.