Supply rally draws crowd
Published 12:40 pm Thursday, September 1, 2016
- CARL EGGLESTON Dr. Barbara Johnson, Superintendent of Schools in Prince Edward County, speaks to students at a back-to-school rally hosted by the Eggleston Foundation, Prince Edward Elks Lodge No. 269 and Manhattan Temple No. 184.
Three local organizations came together recently to provide elementary school students in Prince Edward County with school supplies. The Eggleston Foundation joined with the Prince Edward Elks Lodge No. 269 and Manhattan Temple No. 184 to bring supplies to students in kindergarten through fourth grade.
The students and their parents attended the back-to-school rally Aug. 9 at the Elks Lodge.
According to Carl Eggleston, founder of the Eggleston Foundation, the group gave away more than 200 packs of school supplies this year. About 450 people attended the event, he said.
Eggleston said there was glue, crayons, pencils, a supply box, paper and a backpack in each pack given to the children.
The packs were for the students who need them the most, Eggleston said.
“Ninety percent of the people are single mothers who have two or three kids, and you know it can be tough with the kids going to school, especially some of them for the first time,” he said.
Eggleston said many parents can’t afford to provide their children with required supplies for school. He said the program helps to assist those parents and children.
During the event, there were several inspirational speakers. Eggleston said the speakers encouraged the students to “behave yourself, listen to your parents, listen to your teachers.”
The Rev. Leon Jackson offered an invocation, followed by speeches by Prince Edward Schools Superintendent Dr. Barbara Johnson, Prince Edward Sheriff Wesley Reed, Prince Edward Clerk of the Court Michelle Eppes, Prince Edward Commonwealth’s Attorney Megan Clark and Farmville Acting Chief of Police A. Q. “Andy” Ellington. Daniel Jefferson, supervisor of mechanics, spoke about bus safety and manners.
“Those are basically our leaders and people should look up to them,” Eggleston said.
During the event, the Prince Edward County NAACP branch provided an opportunity for residents to register to vote. There were also food and beverages for attendees following the speeches.
Eggleston said it was a great event, and thanked all those who supported it.
