AUGUSTA, Ga. () — In a heartwarming display of community spirit, residents are rallying to support students as they prepare for the upcoming academic year. Ensuring that students head back to school with both the necessary supplies and boosted confidence, the community is stepping up in a big way.
On Saturday, August 1, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Meadowbrook Elementary School at 3630 Goldfinch Drive in Augusta will host a pivotal Back-to-School Community Drive dedicated to this cause.
Marlo Gregory Sr., the organizer of the event, explained that the drive’s goal is to provide Meadowbrook families easy access to essential school supplies, sparing them the hassle of long trips across town.
“This neighborhood is a vibrant and supportive community,” Gregory reflected. “Our residents are amazing folks. This event is an opportunity to give back. Seeing children head back to school every year highlights their needs and what they might be missing.”
Families attending the event can look forward to receiving backpacks brimming with school essentials such as notebook paper, filler paper, pencils, and pens, ensuring students are well-prepared for their first day back.
“Every bag is gonna be packed differently,” Gregory said. “But it would be for the elementary level, just to help out a couple things.”
The event will also include bottled water and free haircuts from three local barbers.
“They’ll feel good about themselves. That’s an impact right there. That’s the first move right there. They feel good about themselves, and you know, the rest will come.”
Myla Gregory is also helping with the event. She’s a Meadowbrook Elementary alum preparing to begin her senior year of high school.
“My time at Meadowbrook Elementary, we had a lot of good role models of what to be growing up,” she said. “I’ve always been kind of gifted, so I think being at Meadowbrook Elementary, those teachers really pushed me to aspire to be more and wanna achieve more.”
For younger students getting ready to head back to class …
“The advice that I would give any kids watching the interview is to stay in school and follow your dreams,” she said.
Gregory says donations are still being accepted. Anyone interested in helping can call him at 706-469-4061.