Backpack and clothing giveaway
The First United Methodist Church in Montgomery had their annual Backpack and School Supply Giveaway on Sunday, August 23. Due to COVID-19 precautions the event was held outdoors. The church’s back lawn was covered in brand new, colorful backpacks in a variety of all styles for Pre-K through high school. Each student was free to choose whichever one they wanted. There were stacks of binders, folders, notebooks, packs of markers, and pencil boxes. There were bins of pencils, pens, highlighters, and other things. Normally the students are free to go through the bins to choose their own materials, but coronavirus concerns meant that things were different this year as the students told the volunteers which items they wanted and the volunteers handed them to the children. The volunteers were Cassandra Bennet, Carrie Bosch, and Mavis Bosch.
While the Backpack and School Supply Giveaway was happening, Junior Girl Scout Troop #60072 had a “Clothing Store” in another area of the church’s parking lot. The Girl Scouts gave away every item for free, the vast majority of it was brand new and ranged in size from new born to adult. There was also a huge selection of new shoes. The “Store” was open to all ages. The clothing and shoes had been donated. After the event the leftover items were placed in the Community Aid Bin at the carnival grounds because things that are placed in that box result in a monetary donation to the Montgomery Volunteer Fire Company. The Troop leader is Margie Mathis. She said that the event wasn’t for a badge, it was a community service project that the girls wanted to do.
About sixty children received backpacks and school supplies, but the church still has some backpacks and school supplies left over. They are offering them to any students who need them. Anyone who would like to receive a backpack and school supplies is asked to call the First United Methodist Church at (570) 547-6948 and leave a message.