Friday, July 23, 2021 - Believe it or not, it's almost time for kids to return to the classroom, and area community partners are gearing up to host their 7th annual Back-to-School supply roundup from 10 a.m. to noon Saturday, Aug. 7, at the Sallisaw Rodeo Grounds.
Organizers say they are excited to be back hosting the school supply drive in person after the COVID-19 pandemic hampered their efforts in 2020.
Lineup for the event will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 7, and gates will open at 10 a.m. Officials urge folks not to arrive at the rodeo grounds before 9 a.m. “There's plenty for everyone,” Lindsie Dyer of People Inc. said in a recent interview.
In case of foul weather, Dyer said, the Back-to-School Roundup will take place at the Fairgrounds on the same day and at the same time.
The group plans to give away 600 backpacks stuffed with school supplies to Sequoyah County students. Dyer said that when the Back-to-School Roundup began in 2015, only 300 backpacks were given away, and that number has increased every year since then.
“School supplies are expensive,” Dyer said, “and costs are rising, so this year (the roundup) is needed more than ever.”
The free event is for all residents of Sequoyah County and it will feature fun games and activities for children such as pony rides and bounce houses. Two brand-new bikes (one for a boy and one for a girl) will be given away. There will also be a free lunch of hot dogs, chips, fruit, juice and water for everyone and The Mix 105.1 will provide music.
The KXMX studios are also serving as a drop-off location for school supplies for the roundup. Visit 333 S. Kerr Blvd. in Sallisaw between 9 am and 4 pm business and leave your donated supplies with us.
There is still time to donate school supplies, money or your time. For more information on how to do that, contact Lindsie Dyer at (918) 775-7787, extension 2411 or email ldyer@peopleinc.org. You may also contact Melissa at (918) 776-0848.
The Back-to-School Roundup is made possible by many community partners, including KiBois Community Action, People Inc., TSET Healthy Living, CREOKS, the Sallisaw Health & Wellness Center, the Sallisaw and Central Youth coalitions, the Cherokee Nation, the Boys & Girls Club of Sequoyah County, the Sallisaw Lions Club and the Mix 105.1.
Laura Brown, KXMX Staff Writer
For more news stories stay tuned to The MIX 105.1 or visit www.kxmx.com
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