Communities In Schools (CIS) of Georgia in Henry County gave away 1,200 backpacks loaded with school supplies during the 10th Annual Parent Expo held July 24 at McDonough High School. The backpacks were distributed to elementary, middle, and high school students from Henry County via a drive-thru at the school parking lot. The event was led by by Parent Expo Chairperson Fredrick Bailey and the Communities In Schools Henry County Champions Council.
More than 26 local organizations and many volunteers participated in the event by giving their time, donating, and sponsoring to make this event a success for the 10th year in a row. Above and Beyond sponsors and their contributions included: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity - Volunteers, event committee participation, school supplies, and food; Rising Pheonix Youth Enrichment Program - Over $5,600 in meals for families; McIntosh Trail Community Service Board - 500 backpacks for students; Kona Ice of Locust Grove - Unlimited cold treats for guests; Delta Community Credit Union - $1,000 to support students all year; Southern Grace Hospice - $1,000 to support students all year; Urban Air Adventure Park - 1,000 tickets (valued at $15,000) for kids who don’t always have the opportunity to go out and have fun with friends someplace positive and safe; Tanger Outlet Centers® Locust Grove - $1,000 in coupon books for parents and caregivers to shop for their kids and an additional 10 $10 gift cards. Additionally, 22 individuals received free COVID-19 vaccines provided by Sam’s Club.
Helping make the day run smoothly, Sheriff Reginald Scandrett recruited members of the Henry County Sheriff’s Office and the McDonough Police Department to keep the long lines of vehicles moving along. The Henry County School System, including Superintendent Mary Elizabeth Davis, Ola High School volunteers, Southern Crescent Veteran Services, the local Geico office of Alveno Nelson, and Citizens of Georgia Power were present to organize bags and help distribute them to families, among many others.
“Please know that we were honored to work with (Communities In Schools of Georgia in Henry County) and their team… We hope to continue our efforts and look forward to many more opportunities to partner with Communities in Schools,” said Earlene H. Crump, Ed. D., Executive Director, Division of Family & Student Support Services, Henry County Schools.
For those who would like to make a contribution to the Parent Expo fundraiser, the fundraising site will be live until Tuesday, August 24. Visit https://cisga.salsalabs.org/parentexpo2021/index.html to donate.
