Plans for the Twin Counties’ largest back to school celebration to be held in early August already are under way, and organizers are reaching out for support from the community in launching the event that facilitates incoming students’ transition from summer to the classroom.

The Back to School Jump Off, coordinated by the Rocky Mount Police Department, is now in its fourth year. Participation steadily has increased since its inception. Coordinators are seeking sponsorships from businesses, churches and civic groups for the event that celebrates education and provides school supplies to families.

The event will be held from 6 to 9 p.m. Aug. 5, at the Rocky Mount Sports Complex, and admission is free.

“This is a great opportunity for some of the kids that don’t have the resources to receive some back-to-school-type supplies as well as get focused back on school,” Mayor David Combs said. “It is a community event that brings together organizations and people that might not see each other on a daily basis.”

More than 2,500 book bags filled with school supplies will be distributed, and incoming students can attain additional, free school supplies by participating in the event’s activities.

Businesses and groups can be official sponsors of the event. Sponsorships begin at $500 and can be monetary or in-kind.

The committee also is collecting school supplies such as notebook paper, pencils, erasers, composition books, glue sticks, crayons and colored pencils. Both the Rocky Mount police and fire departments will serve as drop-off locations, and organizers are encouraging groups to hold school supply drives to increase donations.

Groups are welcome to set up informational tents at the event.

Participating agencies will provide information relevant to school-aged children or teenagers and their families, including personal health and safety, school readiness and anti-gang or violence prevention.

Agencies are encouraged to set up activities for children such as carnival games and face painting booths.

“The Back School Jump Off is important because it gets our community focused on what is important,” Rocky Mount Councilman Reuben Blackwell said. “It is a time to celebrate both the good things that happen during the summer, and then prepare to start serious work in the fall.”

To reserve space at the event, submit a completed registration form, which can be found on the police department’s website. The deadline to register is Friday. For more, contact Yvette Jones, the Rocky Mount Police Department community services supervisor, at 972-1436.