A group of individuals concerned for the welfare of Lincoln County children will be gifting the students with free backpacks to use for school.

The effort, now in its third year, is led by Lincoln County District 1 Supervisor Jerry Wilson and Brookhaven Ward 3 Alderman Mary Wilson, who are joined by at least a dozen other generous sponsors who donate financially to help them purchase the backpacks. The Wilsons are appreciative to everyone who helps them make it possible to help the children.

“We want to thank our sponsors for making it happen,” he said.

The couple will be distributing the backpacks on the front steps of the Lincoln County Courthouse Sunday beginning at 6 p.m. The backpacks are for students from kindergarten to 12th grade.

Because they have a limited number of book bags available, the giveaway is first come, first serve. “It’s while they last,” Mary Wilson said.

The couple said children must be accompanied by a parent, but they encourage everyone who needs a back pack to come out.

The Wilsons hope to ensure that all students will be able to return to school with a quality backpack.

“We started this to just give back to the community and to be a help and a blessing to the kids,” he said. “We do other things throughout the year, too, as well.”

Prayer vigil and supplies giveaway planned

Women of the Word Ministries is also giving free supplies to the students.

The organization will distribute free school supplies to students during the second annual Back to School Prayer and Praise Vigil to be held Monday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. at State Bank’s State Room.

The theme of the event  is “The Children are Our Future.”

Speakers for the event are Evangelist Maxine Dillion of Rhema Word Church in Brookhaven and detective Damian Gatlin with the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office.

Special entertainment is also planned.

The event allows individuals to come together to pray for students, teachers, administrators, law enforcement and the surrounding communities.

Others giving away backpacks

Pastor Jerry Kelly Jr. with City of Grace Church said they’ll also be giving away backpacks during their revival services. “Some I will personally deliver to students at their school with recommendations from teachers and staff,” he said.