Community Group hands out 115 back-to-school kits across St George

Parents and guardians across communities in St George recently received some much needed assistance in obtaining back to school supplies for their children ahead of the start of the new school year.

With school scheduled to commence for students on September 18, the Lower Estate Gracious Givers recently presented books, stationery and other necessary school supplies to children from that immediate community, as well as surrounding areas.

According to Roger Craigg, Coordinator of the Back to School Supply Drive, “The Lower Estate Gracious Givers were able to execute a very successful distribution of our annual back to school supplies, to our usual communities of Lower Estate, Salters, Parish Land and Airy Hill in St. George on Saturday 26th of August 2023.

“I am very happy to state that my team and I did an exceptional job this year. This being our third year and first without rain I might add, things went smoothly, as we had a steady flow of residents during our stipulated time of 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., which allowed us to distribute one hundred and fifteen kits to our children,” he explained.

A parent accepts back to school supplies from Roger Craigg.

Craigg stated that over the last three years, it has been recognised that there is a strong need for assistance to parents, with school supplies.

“What really brought this home to me was back in 2020 while sitting in an online class with one of my grans, quite a few students did not have the adequate supplies, which was part of what drove me in this direction of trying to help,” he said on reflection.

This little one was grateful to receive her supplies.

“I must add that this year, I have had very good support and I am eagerly looking forward to next year 2024,” he meanwhile stated.

Using a quote from writer Ryunosuke Satoro – “Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean” – Craigg expressed gratitude to all those who made the back to school supply drive possible.

Some of the supplies gathered from businesses and private donors in the St. George community.

“I will be forever grateful to all the businesses in the Lower Estate and Charles Rowe Bridge hub who have been there with us and have supported this event over the last three years. I do feel compelled to publicly say a heartfelt thank you to Roberts Manufacturing, DM. Simpson, Industrial Trading Ltd., Islandness properties, Electrical & Mechanical Consulting Engineers Ltd. (EMCE), Caribbean Led Lighting, Satya Enterprises Ltd., Quality Tire Plus, J.Veira Consulting Inc., Henley’s Pharmacy, Discount Hardware, Bridge Medical, Marway Bar, Carter’s Bakery, Markham Construction Ltd., Brydens Express office supplies for accommodating us and all private citizens who contributed to this community initiative. I thank you for your continued support. Without you, this would not be possible. Thank you all and God bless,” Craigg remarked. (PR)