For the past few years, Calhoun Foods has done much more for the local community than simply provide discount groceries. The store has given away hundreds of dollars worth of supplies and gift certificates to underprivileged children as they get ready for the start of school.

This year is no different from the rest, but the managers at the store are hoping to up the ante on donations in an attempt to help more families than ever before.

Store managers are hoping their latest Back to School Fest at Bloch Park from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. , July 26 will allow them to give away 5,000 bags full of the school supplies children in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade will need.

Phyllis Pierce, co-manager of Calhoun Foods, said if every business and church in town donates at least 10 supply bags to the store, this large order can easily be filled.

Around 3,000 bags were given away last year, Pierce says, and the large attendance at the festival made the store realize they were going to need to increase the amount for next time.

Pierce predicts it will take about a week for volunteers and Calhoun Food staff to fill all the bags with the necessary school supplies.

While donations have already begun arriving at the store, the managers are still working hard to reach their goal.

The theme for the Back to School Fest is &uot;I Know I Can Be What I Want To Be.&uot;

The supply bags will be given out at the end of day before the closing ceremony.

Each child must have a ticket &045;&045; which will be given out at the festival &045;&045; and must

be accompanied by a parent to receive the free supplies.

Pierce said she encourages businesses and churches to come out to the festival and see how much the children appreciate their gifts.

Donations should reach Calhoun Foods by July 11, but they will also be welcomed any time after this date.