As has been the case for the past decade and a half, those in need of supplies for the start of school will get help from an event in downtown Ironton.

The Tools 4 School giveaway will take place Aug. 3 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, in conjunction with Summerfest. The events usually draw a large crowd, as people line up early to get the backpacks.

The giveaway will start at 10 a.m., and the adjacent Summerfest will feature games and more giveaways for children.

On Wednesday, volunteers from the church were hosting a work day at the church, in preparation for the event.

“We’re preparing the bags with school supplies,” Cindy Pack, of the program, said.

She said they expect to giveaway between 1,600 and 1,700 bags for the event.

The Tools 4 School program began in 2005 after recognizing that many children in our area were beginning the school year without necessary supplies.

“As the saying goes, ‘It takes a village,’ and, in this case, our village includes all of the churches, businesses, organizations and individuals in our community that recognize this need and join us in our endeavor,” the group said in a news release.

The group said it needs help with filling the backpacks the week before the event, distributing backpacks during the event, and will be accepting donations of cookies and baked goods, which will be distributed during the event.

They are all accepting donated backpacks and supplies and monetary donations. Anyone interested can contact the church at 740-543-4727.