The Kids4Christ charity will be giving away backpacks and school supplies on Saturday, Aug. 18, to underprivileged area kids about to return to school.

Volunteers at the ministry stuffed 320 backpacks on Aug. 11 in preparation for the event. Last year 379 backpacks were distributed during the Back2SchoolBlast, with more bags distributed afterwards through schools and DFCS.

An anticipated increase in need with a dip in donations had charity officials concerned about acquiring enough backpacks and supplies for this year’s event.

Fortunately, a local woman donated nearly 200 backpacks in early August, according to outreach minister Terry Kinsey.

The 10th annual Back2School Blast is completely free and will begin at 9 a.m., but eager families will likely be lining up before sunrise, Kinsey said.

There will be refreshments and inflatables for families and carnival games where kids can win extra supplies, he added.

Supplies are provided on a first-come, first-serve basis for school age (K-12th grade) children, Kinsey explained.

Since 2003, the donations distributed by Kids4Christ have progressed from sandwich bags with pencils and supplies to providing 1,300 backpacks and supplies to local at-risk children through the years, the outreach minister said.

Donation sites have been set up at several locations around LaFayette, including Cohutta Bank, Fred’s, both Dollar General and Family Dollar stores. Donations can also be left at the Kids4Christ office on West Withers Street.

The most needed items for this year are book bags, spiral notebooks, filler paper, crayons, and pocket portfolios.

Kids will also be able to return to school in style after receiving a free haircut during the event. Girls can have their nails painted.

Parents or guardians are required to accompany their children to receive supplies, as long lines are expected.

The Kids4Christ building is at the corner of Withers and Cherokee in downtown LaFayette.