School supply giveaways across the Coast help students gear up for success

BILOXI, Miss. (WLOX) - Across the coast, several organizations are giving away school supplies to help students have a successful school year.

GULFPORT

The National Council of Negro Women Organization hosted a back-to-school celebration in Gulfport on Saturday. Organizers Sammie Wiseman & Deborah Graham said they received a lot of donations from community leaders. This is the first time the organization has hosted this event.

According to Graham, all purchases were made from a list that described everything the students needed for school.

“We use the sheets from various schools to pick out what we should purchase. So, we have elementary and high school bags,” Wiseman said.

Attendees who stopped by also got free food and souvenirs from several organizations.

“I think it’s wonderful. We grandmas work so much, so when they help us, we sure appreciate it,” attendee Patricia Spann said.

Vannie Lowe was at the event with her grandson. She said school supplies are expensive, so events like these really help.

“I think it’s great for people to do something for the community. I appreciate it. We appreciate it,” Lowe said.

Gulfport Fire Department also stopped by and handed attendees firefighter hats, pencils, and other souvenirs.

BILOXI

In Gulfport, the Second Liners Club is also helping South Mississippi kids get ready for the new school year.

The organization hosted its annual Backpack & School Supply Giveaway in Biloxi. Families were also able to grab a bite to eat in the park as they were served free hot dogs, drinks and snacks. An estimated 400 backpacks and supplies were donated Saturday afternoon.

The free event was hosted at John Henry Beck Park from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

“It’s a great thing for the community,” said Second Liners Mardi Gras Club president Marvin Dickey. “This organization has been doing this for years. We actually started this organization back 30 years ago. This is actually our 30th anniversary. So, with serving this community and helping them with the things that maybe they can’t get for their kids, we’re able to supply them with everything they need to go to school with.”

Some of the backpacks and supplies were donated by Hancock Whitney Bank, Zeta Phi Beta Sorority and Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity.

WIGGINS

Over in Stone County, the Backpack Boosters were out at the Stone County Fairgrounds providing backpacks and school supplies for the community. This year, they were able to provide 300 backpacks filled with things like notebooks and pencils.

This is the sixth annual installment of the event, and boosters were excited to give back.

“For the past 6 years, we came up with this brilliant idea to give out backpacks to the community,” said Backpack Booster VP Deaudra Lawrence. “The surrounding areas didn’t have that opportunity for the kids. It also helps with the parents as well. It really warms our hearts to know when we have this big crowd come in, you know, the kids, the smile on their faces, when we see how excited they are? That makes us even more excited.”

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