Though it may still feel like the dog days of summer, the first day of school is just around the corner, and local businesses and nonprofits are collecting school supplies to give to students and families in need. Here are a few of the upcoming givewaways:

Newton County Sheriff's Office

The NCSO is partnering with The Salvation Army, A.K.A. Sorority Inc, Baxter International and The Covington News for its annual supply giveaway, with distribution on July 26, from noon-5 p.m. at 2171 Elm Street, Covington.

Throughout the last two years, the Annual Back to School Supply Drive Giveaway has resulted in the distribution of more than 3,000 book bags filled with school supplies for students in Newotn County. This year, the goal is to provide for 4,000 students, and donations are needed.

All contributors will be recognized in The Covington News after the event.

Please make checks payable to Deputies Who Care, Newton County Sheriff's Office, 151 Alcovy Road, NE, Covington, Georgia 30014.

For more information contact Apryle Jones at 678-625-1425 or ajones@newtonsheriffga.org, Deputy Susan Young at 678-218-2423 or smyoung@newtonsheriffga.org or Deputy Kimberly Cox at 678-300-3544 or kcox@newtonsheriffga.org.

Project ReNeWal

The area's only domestic violence shelter for women and families is asking for the community's help to provide school supplies to students staying at the shelter. Project ReNeWal serves Rockdale, Newton and Walton counties and has students attending their home schools in those counties.

Both monetary and school supply donations are needed. The nonprofit is particularly in need of three-ring binders (1"-2"), bookbags, highlighters, blunt-tipped scissors, and correction tape (whiteout tape).

For more information, email Laquisha Thomas at childadvocate_projectrenewal@yahoo.com or call 770-761-9333.

Springfield Baptist

Springfield Baptist church will host a "Back 2 School Supply Giveaway" on Saturday, July 25. Registration runs 8:30 a.m. until 9 a.m. for K-12 students. Students will be registered and supplies distributed until supplies are exhausted.

Springfield Baptist Church will also host a Community Food Distribution on September 15-16. Registration and pickup will be Tuesday, Sept. 15, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. and Wednesday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m.

WCJ Outreach Ministries

WCJ Outreach Ministries holds a Back 2 School Rally on Saturday, July 18, starting at noon, at the Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham, 1659 Centennial Olympic Parkway, at the Georgia International Horse Park. There will be free school supplies distributed, along with free food, games, music, prizes and presentations.

For more information or to donate, call 770-875-5377.

Youth Empowerment Society

The Youth Empowerment Society will host its Back to School Bash at Legion Field Aug. 15 from noon-4 p.m.
School supplies, food and other items will be available free. Inflatables, games, speakers a talent show and dance party will provide entertainment.

Contact Shalonda Stroman at 914-575-8313 or Cassandra Jenkins at 770-557-2680 about setting up a booth and distributing school supplies.