What began as one man’s mission to give back has grown into a major community tradition, as the 3rd Annual Back to School Bash returns to Turbeville Town Square on Friday, July 12, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Organized by Laquan Barnes and his nonprofit, Eastern Clarendon Community Outreach, the event provides students with everything they need to start the year off right—at no cost to families.
“We started out giving away 250 backpacks the first year, and now we’re giving out over 400,” said Barnes, who grew up in Turbeville and attended Walker-Gamble Elementary and East Clarendon High School. “We also give out hot dogs and hamburgers, free haircuts from local barbers, hygiene kits, and school supplies from other churches and organizations that want to help.”
Kids who attend receive a ticket with their backpack, making them eligible for door prizes. This year’s giveaways include two iPads, five pairs of Beats headphones, six sets of AirPods, and several gift cards. The event will also feature bounce houses and other fun activities to help children enjoy one last summer celebration before the school year begins.
Vendors—many of whom are churches and nonprofits—set up to share resources or giveaways. “Nobody pays anything. They just show up and help. The more vendors, the better,” Barnes said. “I want the kids to go back to school with a surplus. It’s about the whole community coming together.”
Barnes launched the outreach initiative as a way to serve the needs he remembered from his own childhood. Raised by a single mother, he was often on the receiving end of community generosity. Now, through Eastern Clarendon Community Outreach, he’s giving back. In addition to the Bash, the group also organizes coat drives, assists students with school field trip costs, and provides gifts to children during the holidays.
Barnes, who works as a quality technician at Nucor Steel South Carolina in Darlington, said his employer has been instrumental in supporting the event, purchasing all the backpacks each year. He also credits a dedicated team of volunteers, including his wife, Terri Barnes, and community members Margie Fleming, Mary Catherine Jordan, Andrea White, and Gerald Harrison, with helping him bring the event to life.
“I just love seeing the kids enjoy the day, getting what they need without their parents having to pay anything,” Barnes said. “I want them to eat, play, and just be kids for a little while.”
Looking ahead, Barnes hopes to grow the outreach beyond the Bash to include projects like home repairs and accessibility improvements for elderly residents. “We have so many missions right here in our backyard,” he said. “And I want to lead the charge in meeting those needs.”
For more information or to get involved, contact Laquan Barnes at 803-460-1310.
