Students and parents wait in line during Saturday afternoon’s school supplies giveaway on the Pomeroy Parking Lot. The event was put together by Oasis Church of Athens, Trinity Church of Pomeroy, Pentecostal Church of God in Racine, First Southern Baptist Church in Pomeroy, Middleport Church of Christ, Firebrand Ministries in Middleport and Rutland Freewill Baptist Church.
Betty Lowery, left, and Betty Bishop, right, help students register during Harrisonville Presbyterian Church’s school giveaway Saturday. Bishop said she’s attended the church for at least 46 years, and Lower said she’s attended for at least 50.
MEIGS COUNTY — Getting ready for the upcoming school year will be that much easier for students, thanks to back-to-school giveaways being held throughout Meigs County.
In particular, Ohio’s tax holiday Aug. 7-9 helped with the cost of school supplies, and many walked away with a smile on their face and supplies in their hands.
Two churches in particular conducted giveaways during the weekend. Harrisonville Presbyterian Church had their annual school giveaway at 11 a.m. Saturday, with 39 parents registering 85 students by 11:45 a.m. The church also gave away shoe vouchers. At least 80 backpacks were given away during the initial 45-minute rush of students, with the event ending at 2 p.m. or whenever the church ran out of items and food.
Grove City Vineyard, or Vineyard Christian Fellowship, partners with Harrisonville to help deliver supplies to the students who attend — most of the school bags came from the Grove City group.
“We’re running out quickly and it’s not even noon,” Emily Groseclose, of Grove City, said during the giveaway.
The two ladies who helped register students, both named Betty, said the rush this year was impressive as well.
Pastor David Faulkner thanked all those who volunteered Saturday.
“They put in a lot of hard work,” he said.
Another Saturday giveaway that saw a large crowd took place at the Pomeroy Parking Lot. The event was put together by Oasis Church of Athens, Trinity Church of Pomeroy, Pentecostal Church of God in Racine, First Southern Baptist Church in Pomeroy, Middleport Church of Christ, Firebrand Ministries in Middleport and Rutland Freewill Baptist Church. The giveaway took place from 4-6 p.m., with a praise concert put on by Fire Brand praise band, Oasis Church praise band and Straight Way praise band from 6-9 p.m.
Those who volunteered said they aided about 300-400 students last year, and hoped to help about 600 students this year.
On Monday, the Mulberry Community Center also held a school giveaway. Kids from all three school districts attended.
The packed approximately 275 backpacks, which included pre-registered children as well as walk-ins.
Each student received a customized backpack. It was based on the grade and school district. The chamber reviewed the supply list for each (districts and grades) and create a list of what does in each bag. The giveaway was funded through donations from the community. Applications were taken during the month of July, as well as the first week of August.
School officially begins for Meigs Local students Wednesday, Aug. 26, and Thursday, Aug. 27 for Southern and Eastern students.
Reach Lindsay Kriz at 740-444-4303.
