Annual Backpack Giveaway gets students ready for school

by Tina Cole-Mullins

On Saturday, Aug. 8, the weather did not dampen the spirits of the eager kids, parents, grandparents and guardians  attending the annual Backpack Giveaway on Stockbridge’s Township Square. Hosted by the Highest Praise Worship Center, the giveaway also was supported by Positively Chiropractic and Adiska Dental.

This year marked the 15th annual Backpack Giveaway, a welcome staple in providing quality new backpacks and supplies for the students of the community. More than 120 backpacks with supplies, along with a bag of gently used books, toothpaste and toothbrushes were distributed this year to kids in prekindergarten through 12th grade.

Once again, the community stepped up to show support for students and teachers at the beginning of a new and challenging school year, as COVID-19 remains a concern.

“In the past, we had contributed to this event in small ways, but wanted to do more, since this is such a loving gesture they do for the community year after year,” said Erin Clifton, of Positively Chiropractic.

Clifton said the original goal was to be able to fill 50 backpacks for the Highest Praise Worship Center, but they exceeded expectations.

“The generosity of our practice and community members enabled us to donate over 75 filled backpacks!” she said. “We were blown away.”

“Adiska Family Dental asked how they could help, but since we had already met our goal they supplied new toothbrushes and toothpaste for all the kids for the next school year,” Clifton added.

Co-cordinator Lisa Bolton said the huge amount of supplies collected by Positively Chiropractic “was awesome.”

“Extra supplies are planned to be given to the school for teachers to use in the classrooms,” Bolton said.

Pastor Wesley Starr and wife Christina could be seen strolling around during the giveaway and welcoming guests such as Penny Elliott-Marshall, who attended with her grandsons Landon, Leo and Levi Gerber.

“My youngest grandson Levi won a gift card to The Shoe Carnival,” Marshall said.

Christina Starr said that along with the backpacks, four drawings for $50 Shoe Carnival gift cards were held for the students.

Highest Praise Worship Center not only hosts the annual Backpack Giveaway, but also sponsors other community events throughout the year, such as the annual Christmas Stocking Giveaway on the Square each December.

Upcoming events

Highest Praise Worship Center, 5107 S. Clinton St., Stockbridge

• Escape Room at Highest Praise Worship Center, Aug. 14,
  (one-hour time slots), Olympic-themed. Contact Cyndi Eibler 517-914-4784 to reserve your spot.
• Movie Night on the Square, “Tom amd Jerry,” Aug. 20 at dusk.
• Family Field Day at Highest Praise Worship Center, Aug. 28, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  Lunch provided.
• Community Pig Roast at Highest Praise Worship Church, Aug. 29, 12-3 p.m.

Cheyenne, Tina and Chloe Mullins attended the annual Backpack Giveaway. Photo provided Christina Starr

Children enjoy a game of Jenga at the Backpack Giveaway. Photo provided Christina Starr

Highest Praise Worship’s backpacks are ready to be distributed. Photo provided Christina Starr

Volunteers fill the backpacks with supplies for the annual Backpack Giveaway. Photo provided Christina Starr

Positively Chiropractic collected many school supplies for the Backpack Giveaway. Photo provided Christina Starr

Cheyenne and Chloe Mullins show off their new backpacks. Photo provided Christina Starr

Children turned out for the annual Backpack Giveaway Aug. 8 in Township Square. Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins

Anthony Prater sets up a speaker for the annual Backpack Giveaway. Photo credit Tina Cole-Mullins

Christina Starr with baby Judah, and Penny Elliott-Marshall and her grandsons Landon, Leo and Levi Gerber attend the annual Backpack Giveaway.