NAACP provides scores of school clothes and backpacks to returning students

photo provided

WILLIAM NORTHCUTT

Staff reporter

In conjunction with members of the community, the Dyersburg-Dyer County NAACP donated scores of school clothes, backpacks, and other essentials to returning students. The “Back to School Drive” was held on August 3 at the McIver’s Grant Public Library. Over 100 kids received these much-needed essentials.

“We do this…for all families,” said NAACP local Director Tiffany Boyd. She noted that the group has held the event for three years.

Local NAACP Media/Communications Chairman Antoine Bell said, “Each year we give away uniforms which includes polo shirts, pants, skirts, shorts, socks and backpacks.” He continued, “We also give away non-uniform items for children who are in the county school system.”

Bell and Boyd stressed that the event was for anyone from any community. Bell said, “We do this so that every child has a fresh start to the school year even if their parents can't afford it.” Referring to the way children are sometimes treated when wearing worn or tattered clothes, he said, “We must keep down bullying.”

Boyd added, “We serve all sizes from a five and a little bitty kids up to a 46 in men's clothes so they know child will be left out no matter what size they are.”

She said, “We Shoot To Give each child two uniforms. We look to doing more in the future. We don't let any child leave empty-handed [even if] they have to get a bigger or smaller size.”

Commenting on the impetus for the event, Boyd said, “We love serving the children.” She said she knew firsthand the financial struggles parents have, and as an adult, she has always helped children with school supplies and clothing, sometimes complete wardrobes.

However, while many groups give out backpacks and school supplies, she said, “What was lacking was uniforms, and I personally saw so many children with dingy clothes, pants that were too short, or wearing shorts in the winter time.”

She noted, “As long as we have a community of people who love, that should never be.” Bell said he expects the “Back to School Drive” to continue. He said, “We look forward to many more years with each year being bigger and better.”

Pleased with not only the material but the spiritual gifts that day, Bell said, “We also spoke words of encouragement and prayed over the children. It was truly a joy to see the children with their heads bowed and their hands in the praying position.”

Boyd added, “We thank God for those who donate to the cause each year.”