The organizers and volunteers involved in this year’s Give a Kid a Chance back to school bash had no doubt it was the biggest since it began in 2006.

Now the numbers are in to prove it.

• At First Baptist Canton, 1,608 backpacks were given away, with Hillside United Methodist Church distributing 1,116. MUST gave out the remaining 272 to bring the grand total to 2,996.
• Medical screenings: 1,103, with the breakdown as follows: 180 dental, 295 vision, 293 hearing and 335 scoliosis.
• Clothes: 16,000-plus items, or 430 39-gallon bags.
• Shoes: 300 from Soles4Souls and an extra 300-plus flip flops.
• Socks and undies: 10,861
• Haircuts: 346, with 27 Locks of Love donations
• Food served: 1,700 hot dogs, 133 pizzas, 750 boxed lunches (Panda Express or Bojangles) and 100 chicken sandwiches (Chick-fil-A)
• Bibles: 1,724 from the Gideons
• Children’s books: 4,300
• Stuffed animals: 1,200
• Volunteers: 500
• Churches: 35

“Thanks to everyone who had a part – big or small,” said Cheryl Ruffer, co-founder and co-director. “God is faithful each year, blessing us with a smooth event at each location. We give Him all the credit and glory!”

Editor's note: A version of this story previously appeared in the August online edition of The Cherokee Vine, a monthly newsletter that highlights news and events from churches, ministries and charitable organizations in Cherokee County.

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