Back to school events in Gaston County

Chloe Collins, Gaston Gazette
Updated ·3 min read
Twelve-year-old Sean Stafford gets a free haircut from Maria Hutton during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.
Twelve-year-old Sean Stafford gets a free haircut from Maria Hutton during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.

Gaston County schools will be back in session on Wednesday, Aug. 16, and back to school preparation can be both exciting and daunting.

Some community partners are looking to take the edge out of education for local kids, parents and teachers.

Here are some of the back to school events in Gaston County.

Gastonia

  • The Gastonia Police Department and Kingdom Life Church’s Vive Youth Ministries are teaming up to present the Summer Wave Back to School Event. Saturday, July 29 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m., families are welcome to join for free backpacks and supplies, free car seats with safety training and expectations demonstrated by Gastonia PD, and even free haircuts provided by the Paul Mitchell School.

The event will also provide free food for visitors, music, a waterslide and more.

Kingdom Life Church is located at 905 Shannon Bradley Road in Gastonia.

  • Friday, July 28, Firestone Wesleyan Church at 1700 Union Road will host an event for children in foster care to “shop” for back to school supplies. Children who were adopted from foster care or are currently part of the foster care system will be welcome to get school supplies and enjoy dinner and a petting zoo free of charge. The event will begin at 3 p.m.

  • Thursday, Aug. 31, Gaston County’s Union Road branch Library at 5800 Union Road is offering teens and tweens an opportunity to earn a volunteer hour. The Back to School Teen Service Project will include working with the librarians at the library from 4 - 5 p.m.

Mount Holly

Dollar Express in Mount Holly will be giving away free school supplies at their 111 N. Main St. location from 1 - 3 p.m. on Aug. 12.

Catawba Coffee Co. and Planet Vintage have joined in to provide donation boxes where people can donate supplies, and Dollar Express is accepting monetary donations with any purchase at their store.

Tiny Treats will be giving away desserts at the event.

Sybil Hester hands out backpacks during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.
Sybil Hester hands out backpacks during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.

A Charlotte-based company Kingdom Business Events will also be hosting a back-to-school pop-up in Mt. Holly this August.

From 12-4 p.m., Aug. 19, Gaston County families can swing by the Pisces Gallery located at 122 E. Central Ave. Suite B, for free haircuts, health screenings, and school supplies.

There will also be local vendors selling sweet treats and more.

Dallas

The Dallas Police Department is teaming up with community members to host the Tools for School Event at the Dallas Civic Center from 5:30 - 7:30 p.m. on Aug. 7.

Kids must be present to collect their free school supplies.

Dallas PD is still accepting donations at various locations in the community. Donation boxes are located at Dallas Police Department and Town Hall, Papa’s Pizza, The Country Kitchen, Time Out, Sammy’s, Dollar General on North New Hope Road and Family Dollar on Trade Street.

The Dallas Civic Center is located at 206 S Oakland St.

Edward Mullaly cooks up hotdogs to be given out during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.
Edward Mullaly cooks up hotdogs to be given out during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.

Belmont

The Belmont Police Department has begun accepting donations for a drive that is to be announced.

Donation boxes are set up at:

  • First United Methodist Church

  • Belmont Yoga

  • Doc’s Basement Comics, Toys, and Games

  • The Everyday market

  • William Henry Signature Salon and Spa

  • Sammy’s Pub

  • NC Budo

  • CVS Pharmacy (Wilkinson Boulevard)

  • CATO Homes

  • Twisted Sugar

  • Textile Lanes Inc.

Donations can also be dropped off at the Belmont Police or Fire Departments.

Finally, SportsLink is hosting a teachers volleyball tournament at their Thirsty Social’s sand courts located at 508 Woodlawn street in Belmont.

On Friday, Aug. 11 from 3 - 8 p.m., teachers play free in a family friendly venue.

There will be cornhole, food for purchase, and music available for the whole family while Gaston County’s teachers face-off on the court.

Reserve a spot for yourself or a team of six by searching “SportsLink” in Charlotte on Eventbrite.com.

Jacqueline Mullaly hands out backpacks to nine-year-old Tyler Collier and his sister, six-year-old Tilliie Collier, during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.
Jacqueline Mullaly hands out backpacks to nine-year-old Tyler Collier and his sister, six-year-old Tilliie Collier, during the annual Back to School Bash Saturday morning, July 22, 2023, at the Cherryville Church of God.

This article originally appeared on The Gaston Gazette: Back to school events in Gaston County