Southwest Ga. prepares for students to head back to school

ALBANY, Ga. (WALB) - Back-to-school season is not as far away as we think.

Many stores already have their yearly back-to-school sections up. Target is already offering back-to-school deals for teachers and students in July. That is around a month before school officially starts back up in August.

Many Southwest Georgia counties and school districts are hosting back-to-school events for students and parents to have some fun while getting free or low-cost school supplies.

Here is a comprehensive list of back-to-school events happening in Southwest Georgia in July and August:

July

Veggie & Soul, Healthy Life Albany and SOWEGA Rising are collaborating on the Good Life Family Health Fest. The event will feature free health check-ups, free plant-based food, free wellness education and free activities and games. The event will be on July 29 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. at 1100 N. Jordan Street in Albany.
Donations are being accepted for the Community Back to School Bash in Leesburg. The Leesburg Police Department has purchased 200 bookbags to put school supplies in. Monetary donations and donations of school supplies can be dropped off at the Leesburg Police Department. The event will be on July 30 from 2-5 p.m. on 4th Street between Leesburg Methodist Church and First Baptist of Leesburg.
The Amerigroup Community Care is hosting back-to-school hairstyles and haircuts, where the first 60 boys and 540 girls are free. The event will be on July 30 from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1213 Dawson Rd. in Albany.
Lowndes County Health Department is hosting a back-to-school immunization bash where kids can get up to date on all their shots. It is being hosted at the health department, Monday-Friday, July 31-Aug. 11. Any and all children are invited.

August

The Ashburn Police Department is hosting a free National back-to-school Night Out event where attendees can get school supplies while enjoying music, games, and food. The event will be on August 1 from 6-9 p.m. at Heritage Park behind Colony Bank.
Camilla United Methodist Church will be giving out free school supplies during the Feed the Need event on Aug. 5. Until Aug. 5, the church will be accepting school supplies such as paper, crayons and new and gently used backpacks. For more information, call or email Ginna at (229) 336-0301 or gwaters@mbsc65.com.
The Albany Police Department is hosting a back-to-school event where children and their parents can receive a free bag of school supplies. This is being hosted on August 4 from 6 p.m. until supplies last and will be located at Veterans Park Amphitheater. For more information, contact CPL. Chanita Salyer at (229) 854-1471.
The city of Valdosta will be hosting a Back-To-School Community Block Party where attendees can grab a free backpack and school supplies, as well as get free haircuts at the Women’s Building. The block party will be on August 5 from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. in Drexel Park. Contact Anetra Riley at (229) 671-3617 or ariley@valdostacity.com for more information.
Street Treats in Leesburg will be hosting a Back to School Celebration and Giveaway. The giveaway will be on Aug. 5 at 11 a.m. at 104 E Century Rd. Suite H in Leesburg.