Mission Carthage set to host Back to School Bash with free supplies for local students

Published 1:00 pm Saturday, July 26, 2025

As the first day of school draws closer, Mission Carthage, Carthage ISD, and local sponsors are teaming up once again for the annual Back to School Bash supply giveaway, set for Thursday, August 7, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Carthage High School.

This drive-thru event is open to all Panola County students entering Kindergarten through 12th grade, regardless of what school they attend. Every student is welcome to receive a free bag of school supplies, helping families prepare for the year ahead.

Please note that while this event is traditionally held on a Saturday, this year’s bash will take place on a Thursday evening.

To participate, families can simply drive around to the back of Carthage High School, where volunteers will be ready to hand out supply bags directly to vehicles — no need to get out of the car.

The supplies come largely from generous donations made by individuals, churches, businesses, and civic groups throughout the community. It takes dozens of volunteers each year to sort, bag, and distribute the supplies, and organizers are actively seeking more help for this year’s event.

Volunteers are essential to making the Back to School Bash a success. Whether you’re a seasoned volunteer or just want to lend a hand for a few hours, your support is greatly appreciated.

“This is truly a community-wide effort to support our students, and we’re grateful to everyone who gives their time or resources to make it happen,” said organizers.

For more information or to volunteer, call Mission Carthage at 903-693-4402.