Local students and families turned out in large numbers on Aug. 15 for the annual Back to School Blowout hosted by the Effingham Center for Working Families.
During the event, local organizations and businesses passed out free school supplies and information about the services that are available for families. There were 27 vendor booths and 50 volunteers who helped with the event.
Free hotdogs and drinks were served, along with free ice cream sundaes courtesy of the Effingham Recreation Department.
Magician Magic Mark entertained the crowd and also brought his boa constrictor. Children got a chance to pet the snake.
Destiny Bradshaw, program manager for Effingham Center for Working Families & H.E.L.P. (Hope for Everyone Looking for Provisions), said about 551 people attended the event.