On Sunday, July 27, on the sweltering asphalt of Todd County Central High School’s parking lot, volunteers from the Laity and Ministers’ Alliance of Todd County (also known as “LAMA”) gave out 352 backpacks in just over an hour to families in need.
According to Treasurer Dana Orr, the group has distributed backpacks, filled with school supplies, for 15 years.
Mike Kenner, president of LAMA and former Superintendent of Todd County Schools, emphasized the importance of supporting students in any way possible to help them succeed. One of the ways LAMA does this is by providing backpacks filled with essential school supplies, including notebooks, folders, a stocked pencil case, and a water bottle.
As in recent years, volunteers gathered at Elkton Christian Church on the Wednesday before the giveaway to fill the backpacks. Backpacks were customized based on the students’ grade levels—either elementary, middle, or high school. In a new addition this year, preschool students received more than just an empty backpack; each was given a small blanket and a water bottle to help prepare them for the start of school.
Altogether, more than 40 individuals participated in the assembling and/or distribution of the backpacks this year.
New Superintendent of Todd County Schools, Jessica Addison, who was one of the volunteers, noted that community partnerships such as this are vital to the success of Todd County students.
The group receives contributions from individuals, businesses, and churches in the community and purchases the supplies. Willard Knipp, past president of LAMA and the pastor at Petrie Memorial Methodist Church, thanked the community for its generosity. “We could not do this without the support of this wonderful community. It is deeply appreciated.”
If there is a child who would benefit from receiving a backpack, it is not too late. Contact the Todd County Board of Education Central Office or Dana Orr for more information.
