A back-to-school outreach program hosted by a local church hopes to help equip children with school supplies and provide health screenings and personal grooming to get kids ready for a new school year.  The North Rome Church of God, located on North Broad Street, is reaching out to the community’s children before school begins with its annual back-to-school drive known as Give A Kid A Chance.  Phone pre-registration is required for the July 18 event planned to be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.   Parents will be asked to provide contact information, child’s date of birth and grade level.  “Our target is the families whose resources are just stretched,” said Albert Gallant, GAKAC coordinator.

The school supplies provided by the event will include grade-appropriate material and book bags. The activity will also provide haircuts, manicures for needy children and will provide free hearing, vision and dental checks for any child entering into school for the first time.  Qualified medical professionals will be on hand to provide all medical and dental checks.

The back-to-school event will take place July 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Children will be divided into groups of 40 to 50, divided according to grade level, and scheduled for every half hour.  “The best part of this is seeing kids leaving the parking lot with a new book bag, new haircut and a smile,” said Gallant.