It won't be long until it's time to get the kids off to school. That means a long list of school supplies to get them started. For the fortunate ones getting the supplies isn't an issue but for those less fortunate it can be a challenge.

To help provide school supplies for those children and save the teachers from having to spend their money, Bainbridge Wal-Mart is sponsoring a Back to School Drive and Fair. From 1:00 to 4:00 pm this Friday and Saturday, July 18th and 19th, customers can purchase supplies that will be taken to schools and distributed to the students that don't have the resources to purchase their own.

With the current state of the economy added to the fact that almost 68% of school children eligible for free/reduced lunch program there are lots of supplies that are needed. Communities in Schools and Decatur County School Social Workers will distribute the supplies.

To make shopping for the needed items easier, there will be mesh backpacks with items in them ready to purchase by the checkout registers in the front of the store. Or you can purchase items as you shop and donate those.

Also during this time, the Bainbridge Leisure Services and YMCA will have information and registration forms available for the Youth Fall Football/Cheerleading Program. A vision specialist and dentist will also be available for children to visit with.

Representatives from several companies including Little Debbie and Pepsi will be on hand to hand out samples. Also represented with be the Decatur County Family Connection Collaborative.

Sharon McLendon, Bainbridge Wal-Mart Community Coordinator, stated that she is hoping that this becomes a yearly community event. According to McLendon, the Thomasville Wal-Mart started their Drive and Fair several years ago and it has grown so large they had to move to a larger venue, she is hoping that the one in Bainbridge does also with community agencies, organizations and businesses participating.