Church prepares hundreds of students for first day of school
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TRENTON, Tenn. — Summer vacation has come to an end for many students across West Tennessee, and as they get ready to hit the books, local organizations are lending a helping hand. New Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church is helping children of all ages start the school year off right, one ruler, pencil and backpack at a time. “That’s what we’re trying to do, help them to be proud and responsible,” organizer Charlotte Doaks said. “So we’re giving them all these things to hopefully make a difference.” The piles of school supplies are all donated by the community and given to these book worms for free. “Some people, especially in our community, are less fortunate,” organizer Maria Barnett said. “We want to make sure that they go back and they can be just as comfortable as the kids that do have these things.” The church has held this giveaway for the past four years, and parents say their children get more out of it than just some pencils and paper. “Just being in a fun and friendly environment,” William Harris said. “They get to meet new friends and see the kids they’re going to go to school with.” While these kids enjoy the last few days of summer, come Wednesday they’ll be ready for that first bell. “It makes them feel good to have something in their hands to bring to class, to contribute to the class,” Doaks said. All of the supplies for the giveaway were donated by local businesses and other organizations. Organizers say this was the largest turnout they’ve had since the program began.
