Kids Day celebrates 39th annual school supply distribution

The City and County Youth Program reached its 39th annual Kids Day on Saturday, Aug. 5. Students from the area were able to access school supplies such as backpacks, pencils, paper, notebooks, binders and much more in anticipation of the upcoming school year. Program director Shannon Sims said that this year he had over 10,000 backpacks to distribute to children. Due to heavy rain during the event, Sims said his program was cut short. However, he said that the nonprofit would be sharing resources and supplies with the Blytheville School District and their planned Back to School Bash scheduled for Friday, Aug. 11. The Blytheville Back to School Bash will be at the BHS Chickasaw Arena from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. There will be games, health information, music, giveaways, food and free haircuts. "Since I couldn't finish my program, we are joining up with the school district's giveaway," Sims said. "I am getting ready to celebrate four decades of this program being in the community." Initially, the program began as just a normal day with a few friends returning home from college and enjoying their time at the park. Fast forward a few decades, and there is a wide range of vendors and volunteers who now serve the event. Representatives from Arkansas Northeast College, the City of Blytheville, the Blytheville Police Department, and the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission were all present to speak with students and parents on Saturday's school supply distribution. Blytheville Mayor Melisa Logan was present to volunteer and hand out backpacks to local children. Sims also presented an award to John Logan for his contributions and ongoing support of the program. CCY is a registered 501(c)(3) which provides a positive outlet to give students a boost heading into their school year. The nonprofit also sponsors an annual coat drive for children in need during the winter months titled Operation Warm. Anyone looking to contribute or volunteer to the program may contact Sims at 870-623-3179.