Sumter police to host Back-to-School Bash

Don't toss those backpacks away too fast, as Sumter Police Department is looking to fill them up with academic necessities.

The annual Back to School Bash, hosted by the local PD, will happen on Tuesday, July 23, from 10 a.m. to noon at the Birnie HOPE Center, at 210 S. Purdy St.

Last year, the department saw more than 300 attendees who came out to fill their backpacks with goodies of all kinds.

This year, attendees will be treated to hotdogs and snow cones, facepainting and balloon art while also getting to meet and greet representatives from Tandem Health, Healthy Blue of South Carolina, USC Sumter, YMCA, Sumter Fire Department, Sumter Behavioral Health Services, SLED Amber Alert, SAFE Kids Sumter County, Absolute Total Care and Sumter EMS. DJ Howie D will supply the tunes for the activities.

All children in attendance must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is 18 years of age or older.

In the event of rain, the bash will be moved to Thursday, July 25, same place and time.