THOMASVILLE — More than 1,000 students took advantage of the first ever Back-to-School Blitz Saturday.

Parents and other relatives started lining up in front of the Butler-Mason YMCA on Remington Avenue an hour before the event opened its doors.

“We know we gave out more than 1,000 bags to the children,” said JoAnn McGrotha, executive director of Hands On Thomas County, a co-organizer. “We made 1,100 bags and had about 50 left. We think at least 2,000 came through the doors because the kids had to come with an adult. All these items have been donated by members of the community and we really appreciate everyone’s support. We can’t believe how incredible the response has been for this project.”

HOTC, Thomas County Family Connection, Thomasville City Schools and Thomas County Schools joined together to present the event to help parents and guardians get their children ready for the new school year.

Participants came inside, went around information booths set up in the gym featuring various city and county schools and community programs.

Then, they had the opportunity to sign up for a haircut via the Southwest Georgia Technical College Cosmetology School students or stop by for some brief health screenings from area dentists and eye care specialists.

On the way out students were given bags with age appropriate school supplies.

Isabel Merritt, 6, made a pit stop to get her hair cut.

“This is fantastic,” said grandmother Joann Merritt. “It’s a wonderful day for the community and we are so thankful.”

Marchael Brock, a cosmetology student, enjoyed helping members of her community.

“It gives me practice and it helps the people who may not be able to afford hair cuts before school starts,” she said.

Chandra Bryant and Octavia Conaway, parent involvement coordinators for local schools, spent the two hours giving out information to the adults.

“The timing for this is perfect,” said Bryant. “Everyone seems to be so patient while they wait in line and it’s wonderful to see people we know from the schools out here taking advantage of this opportunity.”

Conaway agreed, stating the event was a collaborative effort.

“I’ve really enjoyed seeing the excitement on all the kids’ faces,” she said. “We know that we’re making a difference.”

Tammy Poole, parent involvement coordinator for Thomasville City Schools, was overwhelmed with the turnout.

“This is unbelievable,” she said. “I knew there would be support, but I had no idea that it would be like this. We’re so excited for the kids and families to get this opportunity! I’ve seen some of my former students come by, and its wonderful to see them take part in this event. We want them to see that the community’s behind them and wants its students to be successful.”

Abbie Dean, 5, and Macy Wood, 6, took a break from the activities by taking a short siesta on the floor.

“This is wonderful and it’s going to help lots of people,” said their grandmother, Vickie Gipson. “Macy’s father just got transferred to Valdosta, so they’ve moved here and we’re trying to get her and her brother Wyatt ready for school. This event has been a big help to us.”

Karen Green, school nutrition director for Thomas County Schools, said the event was a chance for parents to learn important information.

“It’s a fantastic way for parents and students to see what the school systems have to offer,” she said. “It’s wonderful to have the parents here to ask questions and for us to be here to answer those concerns. We want to help the parents and students be ready for that first day of school.”

Tiffany Washington, mother of two, was extremely grateful for the blitz.

“I don’t have a very big income and this event helps me to be able to get the supplies my child needs to attend school,” she said.

There were also volunteers from a new church, The Gathering, handing out bags of supplies and helping people with questions.

“I’m really enjoying this,” said Susan Spehar, member. “It spreads the word of our church and it’s helping the community. It’s awesome.”

The event was such a success that organizers were positive it would most likely return next year.

Greer Cox, branch director for the Butler-Mason YMCA, said she was pleased with the event.

“There’s so much going on — haircuts, information booths, health screenings, school supplies — and I really think the kids and the parents are excited about this event and about the new school year,” she said. “We’re so thankful for this turnout. We’ve got so many great vendors and, given its success, we’d like to try to have even more next year.”