Keshuna Holcombe, 7, wore a big smile on her face as she walked out of the Selma High School gymnasium Saturday with her arms stacked with notebooks, paper, folders, pencils, snacks and other supplies.

Holcombe was one of the many students who benefitted from the Selma City Schools’ second annual Back to School Bash; a school supplies drive to help prepare students and parents for the upcoming school year.

“I think it is very important that a school system pulls together the resources of the community to support families. A lot of the families in our community don’t have the funds to pay for multiple uniforms or uniforms at all as well as school supplies,” said Dr. Angela Mangum, Selma City Schools’ superintendent. “We want to make sure that uniforms and school supplies are not barriers for out children.”

For students like Holcombe, all she had was to look forward to the upcoming school year.

“Every time I get my school supplies, I’m supposed to get up early and go to school with them,” Holcombe said.

In addition to providing uniforms and other school supplies, Mangum said the first 25 students were given a free athletic physical and dental screenings were available for families who needed it.

“I think it is very critical to address the needs of our community and this is our way of doing that,” Mangum said.

City schools set up booths for registration and to meet its students. Food, games and other activities were provided for entertainment.

Tasha McCall brought her two children to the bash. She said she is thankful the school puts on the event.

“It really means a lot. It’s something special,” McCall said. “It’s for people who don’t have a lot”

The Back to School Bash easily accommodated several hundred students Saturday

Mangum said she is happy to see such a large turnout at this year’s event.

“This has just been a hugely successful event,” Mangum said. Saturday’s event is not the last opportunity for parents to get assistance on last minute school supplies.

The Selma Police Department will be hosting its Cops and Kids Day at Bloch Park from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6. Supplies will be distributed to children in grades K-12 on a first-come, first-served basis while supplies last.