More than 1,000 families from across the Green Country came to Oklahoma State University-Tulsa to receive free school supplies, various community resources and live entertainment at the sixth annual OSU-Tulsa Community Back to School Bash yesterday evening.

Tulsa metro-area families, as well as families from Muskogee, Okmulgee, Locust Grove and others, congregated on the OSU-Tulsa campus to celebrate and prepare for a successful school year.

"Our Back to School Bash is one of my favorite opportunities to bring the community together and help K-12 families prepare for a successful school year," said Alnetta Morris, community engagement coordinator at OSU-Tulsa. "Every backpack, booth and smiling face reflects what we can accomplish when we work together for Tulsa families."

48 community organizations registered to offer resources and build community with Tulsa-area families in this year’s event, including OSU-Tulsa Police, Tulsa Police Department, EMSA, Tulsa Fire Department and City of Tulsa Water and Sewer Department, Emergency Infant Services, Family and Children’s Services and Tulsa Area United Way.  

Hundreds of people lined up early outside of OSU-Tulsa’s Main Hall building in anticipation of the event. OSU-Tulsa Police handed out orange popsicles to help beat the heat. Once it began, families were invited to walk along the tables in OSU-Tulsa’s Main Hall, collecting backpacks filled with essential school supplies and information about various helpful programs and services available to them. Employees from OSU-Tulsa, ONE Gas and American Airlines served as volunteers, among others.

After each child received a backpack, participants were encouraged to enjoy the live entertainment and community vendors outside in parking lot C, where they were offered free immunizations provided by The Tulsa Health Department and other free items and information from various community partners.  
The event continued its tradition of creating a fun family atmosphere, featuring local school bands, dance groups and youth organizations performing, giving the community a chance to celebrate the return to school together. The Tulsa Fire Department let families check out one of their fire engines up close, and dozens of organizations gave out popcorn, candy and various goodies for kids.

Craig Freeman, OSU-Tulsa vice provost and dean of the College of Professional Studies, greeted families and helped hand out school supplies at the event.

"Education opens doors, and every student deserves the opportunity to begin the school year prepared," said Craig Freeman, vice provost and dean of the College of Professional Studies at OSU-Tulsa. "It’s just the right thing to do. Supporting families today helps create stronger learners, stronger schools and a stronger community tomorrow."

This year’s event was sponsored in part by ONE Gas, Tulsa Federal Credit Union and Chase Bank.

For questions about the Back to School Bash, contact Morris at alnetta@okstate.edu.