The Lima City Schools held its annual Back to School Celebration from 4 to 6 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 9, at Martin Luther King Park, 400 E. Eighth St.
The event included free school supplies, toiletry items, food, games and other activities. Students were able to select their book bag and then select the school supplies they need. More than 850 book bags were distributed and 1,000 people had dinner.
The Joint Systems Manufacturing Center had its Abrams Half Pint at the event. Westgate Entertainment will be there with activities, games and chance to win prizes. iHeart Radio will provide music. There were also community resources and information and giveaways around bike safety and nutrition.
The Lima Police grilled hotdogs and the West Ohio Food Bank gave out weekend meals to families.
The following partnered for this year’s event, providing school supplies or food: Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Allen Oakwood Correctional Institution’s Women in Corrections Committee, Altrusa International of Lima, Cenovus Lima Refinery, Charles River Laboratories, Citizens National Bank, Culligan, Dollar General, Grace Community Church, Gordon Food Service, Lima Education Association, Lima Congress of School Administrative Personnel, Lima Community Church, Lima Kiwanis Club and Aktion Club, Lima Memorial Health System, Lima Rotary Club, Mercy Health, Market Street Presbyterian Church, Nickles Bakery, Peacock Water, Reiter Dairy, Rightway Food Service, Trinity United Methodist Church, Zion Lutheran Church, Neighborhood Relief, Salvation Army, Sam’s Club, UAW Local 1765 Women’s Committee/Dana, Women’s Committee UAW Local 2075 General Dynamics Land System, eastside Walmart, the Women’s Collective Leadership Group and several individuals who have donated.
