Ten years ago, Wayland Baptist Church decided it wanted to give back to the community to help families in need.
Their humble little plan has succeeded beyond their wildest dreams.
“It has grown ever since,” said Chinea Rockwell, who for the past six years has organized the event with the help of an army of volunteers.
The supplies were handed out at the church on Saturday, starting at noon.
Just in time for school, which resumes in Eufaula on Aug. 15.
Numerous activities were created by different organizations to help students from pre-K to 12th grade, and to ignite community enthusiasm for the return of school.
The Ironhead Parent Teacher Organization presented its Back to School Bash from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Eufaula Middle School Gym There were school supplies; food vendors; music; a photobooth, and fun and games.
KMAC’s Lavish Looks, 121 S. Main St., owned by Shayna Williams, provided free haircuts for three days – Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. Several hairstylists came in from outof-town to assist. And on Friday, Aug. 16 at 7 p.m. there will be a community kickoff parade on Main Street followed at 7:30 p.m. by a pep rally at Paul Bell Stadium.
The Bash at Wayland Baptist Church had more activities than ever – including free snow cones provided by Okie Sno and free hot dogs provided by McAlester Sonic.
“This year we will distribute 221 backpacks and school supplies,” Chinea said.
Students were mostly from Eufaula, but there were also students from Checotah, McAlester, Canadian, Crowder, Stidham and Hanna.
None went away empty handed, thanks to the generosity of many donators.
Donations came from family and friends; from yearly donors, such as Work Ready Oklahoma; TNT Fitness; Eufaula VFW Auxiliary; United Methodist Women; God’s Helping Hands and JC and Frankie Watts.
There were several new donors this year, including the Eufaula Quarterback Club and the Eufaula Indian Community.
“Most give cash and we go out and buy the school supplies. Some buy the supplies and bring them to us,” Chinea said.
Cash donations this year totaled $5,200, compared to $4,000 last year.
Walls Discount in McAlester, Dollar Tree and Dollar General made donations.
Much of the school supplied came from Walmart. Walls contributed backpacks.
“They are really inexpensive,” Chinea said.
Pepsi of McAlester donated water.
Safe Families and the County Health Department were on hand to hand out information.
The massive undertaking would not be possible without the help of volunteers.
The VFW plays an important role.
“They come out on Thursday before the event and pack all the supplies. “We couldn’t do it without them. It’s a lot of work, but we enjoy it,” Chinea said.
