The Annual Sabine Back-to-School Rally, hosted at Many’s First United Methodist Church on Saturday, July 30, was one of the most successful school supply giveaway in recent years, according to Committee Chairman Mary Gore of Toledo Bend Ministries.
She noted that parents and children, ages Pre-K through high school lined up at the Family Life Center beginning at 7:15 a.m. to collect the free supplies. By the end of the busy morning, over 170 bags had been distributed. Local residents were treated to inspiring messages, music, face-painting and balloon animals, along with a hotdog lunch before noon.
Matthew Couvillion served as Master of Ceremonies and delivered an inspiring message to encourage the students, who will be returning on August 10. Dignitaries on hand included Many Mayor Robert Hable, newly elected District Judge Verity Gentry, Many Chief of Police Cheryl Wooley, Supt. Of Schools Shane Wright, the Rev. Brian Coplin, the Rev. Jerome Newsome and the Rev. Harry Babers of Tabernacle of Love. Committee members on hand included Nancy Wright, Vicki Weaver, Tammy Holmes, Lisa Henderson, Colette Parson, Michael Cutwright, Shantrece Hooker, Virginia Burkett, Elizabeth Pickett, Donna and Kenneth Ammons and Vicki and Allen Isgitt, along with the Revs. Brian Coplin, Harry Babers and Jerome Newsome. Volunteers at the supply stations and helping with clean-up included Alex Isgitt, Sandra Newton, Pam Russell, Anna Garcie Cash, Angela Couvillion, Cathy Kelly, Kristy Knippers, Mary Isgitt, Verity Gentry, and TBM helpers Jay and Eli. The 2nd Baptist Church of Corpus Christi had a mission team at the lake and they assisted in entertaining the students by making bead bracelets, face painting and animal balloons.
The Rally officially kicked off at 9 a.m. with the presentation of colors by Boy Scout Troop 80 of Many, under the leadership of Kirt Voorheis. Posting the flags were Xavier Scott, Maddox Lapp and Ross Voorheis. Girl Scout Troop # 563 were on hand to assist with the Pledge of Allegiance. Macy Rule sang the National Anthem and an opening prayer was given by Trevor McLendon.
The Rev. Brian Coplin of First United Methodist Church welcomed the saying “May your school year be full of joy, enrichment, happiness and safety. Cutwright gave his testimony, urging the students to learn how to pray and prepare themselves for school ev-ery day.
“Thank God every day when you get up,” he challenged. “You will have good days and bad days but always keep God in your lives because he is here to help you.”
Former Negreet student Hailey Moore delivered an inspiration speechabout the upcoming year. She will be attending the University of Louisiana at Lafayette and major in nursing.
Many Mayor Robert Hable pointed out, “You are the future!” to the students.“I hope you have a great start to this school year.”
Also on hand to encourage the students was Kaley Koss, a member of the Many High State Championship Softball team. She will be attending Northwestern State University on an athletic scholarship.
A raffle for gift certificates for seven teachers was help. They will be announced at a later date, according to Gore.
Following the distribution of school supplies, hotdogs, chips, Capri Suns and snowcones were enjoyed in the church parking lot. The Rev. Babers’ team provided the buns and hotdogs with donors providing the rest of the food.
Donors for this year’s Rally included Toledo Bend Lake Association, Tabernacle of Love, First Baptist Church of Many with the VBS offerings and the Sisters of Grace Sunday School Class, Fellowship Baptist Church in Converse and Tilman Chapter, order of Eastern Star. The Many First Methodist Church donated the use of their facility again this year.
Display were set up by Sabine Prevention Alliance, Sabine Parish School Board, Many First Methodist Church, Many Police Dept., Many Fore Dept., Girls Scouts and Boy Scouts.
The Lagniappe Tables filled with extra supplies was stripped clean of pencils, crayons, scissors, glue, paper, pamphlets, and other items.
A total of 70 high school backpacks and purplebook carriers were also distributed.
Before noon, volunteers were already talking about next year’s Rally and the huge participation of this year’s participation, In total 170 supply bags were given away. The Sabine Parish School Board gave away between 250-300 storybooks to elementary students.
Despite tiredness of the Committee, who set up the Rally, manned it and then took it down, Gore said, “It was a great morning of work and satisfactions for all of us.” She added, “We are happy to be able to help students who are in need of school supplies and we are thankful to all of our workers and donors.”