PD giving school supplies to families

The Philadelphia Police Department will host a Back to School Bash and distribute school supplies on Saturday at Northside Park.

The PD will be distributing school supplies from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to Philadelphia, Neshoba and Choctaw students in grades K-12, said Philadelphia Police Chief Eric Lyons.

The department accepted donations such as Crayons, backpacks, folders, glue and more from individuals and businesses.

“Everyone in Neshoba County is welcome,” said Lyons of their first-ever Back to School Bash.

Others are welcome to attend the event as well and to bring their children to interact with police officers who will be at the event, Lyons said.

"We want the community to be more comfortable interacting with our department and police," Lyons said. 

The event will feature jumpers, basketball, face painting, games and a dunking booth where children can throw a ball and dunk a police officer. 

Police also will host a lunch that includes hamburgers, hotdogs, chips, drinks, ice cream and ice pops.

In addition to giving children and members of the community a chance to interact with police officers, Lyons said, the event will help children and families get many of the school supplies they need before school starts in August.