Selma parents and teachers got some much needed help at Bloch Park yesterday.

At the fourth annual Calhoun Foods Back-to-School Fest, hundreds of area children got some much needed school supplies.

Organized by Calhoun Foods, area businesses and civic organizations came together to help jump-start the upcoming school year.

Americorps, International Paper, Zeigler Meats, Moore-Stewart Ford, Victor Nissan and Turner Chevrolet Buick were among the many businesses involved in the event, according to organizers Beverly C. Wright, Calhoun Foods produce manager, and Phyllis Pearce, co-manager of the store.

“This (turnout) show us we have a lot of parents who care about their children,” Pearce said.

According to Wright, the festival is also a chance to bring parents and educators together, and foster a relationship between them.

“Today is a day about teachers and parents being together in a relaxed environment,” she said. “They’ll (parents) get to know them (teachers) and when they go to the school they’ll already feel comfortable.”

The Rev. Detective Jimmy Martin was also instrumental in organizing the event.

“This is all about the kids,” he said. “We just want to give them a jump start in school.”