In about another week the streets in downtown Ironton will be lined four-blocks long with young people and their parents wanting to get ready for another school year.

And the community in the city is set to help them.

On Saturday, Aug. 1., St. Paul Lutheran Church will host the annual Tools4School, where 2,000 backpacks will be given away for grades kindergarten to 12th grade.

“There is a great need for school supplies and for them to have backpacks,” said Nancy Corn, an organizer of the event from St. Paul’s. “A lot of people feel like this is where you can make a difference.”

The giveaway, which was originated with former St. Paul pastor Michael Poole, starts at 10 a.m. under tents at the corner of Sixth and Center streets. Students must be present to choose their backpack, which is filled with grade-appropriate materials.

As in past years, Center Street will be blocked off between Fifth and Sixth streets for a summer festival hosted by First United Methodist Church.

“They will have inflatables and give away hot dogs,” Corn said. “And they have added five beauticians to do free hair cuts.”

For the second year Christ Episcopal Church will give away 1,000 pairs of socks.

“A couple of years ago, we asked the central office what kinds of things the children might need in addition to school supplies,” the Rev. Sallie Schisler, priest in charge, said. “They said underwear and socks were always appreciated.”

Last year the church distributed 600 pairs of socks with the remainder sent to the superintendent’s office to be given away as needed.

Besides Christ Church, First Presbyterian and All Saints Lutheran in Worthington offering their support, contributions have been received from First Church of Nazarene and 3C church.

“This is like the Day of the Child in Ironton,” Schisler said. “The Methodist church provides food and inflatables. The Presbyterian church participates. And there are lots of new partners from the community and the faith community. I can’t think of anything more important than sending children to school well-prepared.”