Published: August 17, 2008 12:31 am            

How we 'Live United'

United Way’s Supply Our Students (SOS) program supplied our students in yet another record year. Because of YOUR efforts, 4,200 elementary school children will receive book bags and school supplies at the start of the 2008/2009 school year. And for that we want to thank YOU!

At the end of the 2007/2008 school year, 4,174 students enrolled in kindergarten through 5th grade in Meridian Public School District, and kindergarten through 4th grade in Lauderdale County School District, were on the Free or Reduced Lunch Program. This means that nearly 4,200 elementary school children are living at or below poverty level.

Thanks to the efforts of many people in our community we have ensured that our children will start the new school year on equal footing. And I’m sure you remember what it was like to start the year with all new supplies; it’s a matter of self-esteem and in this case it’s a matter of knowing that the community cares about you and cares about your school. Every child deserves the tools needed to be successful in school. SOS provided those tools!

Contributing to the SOS Program this year were: Peavey Electronics, M & B Railroad, Brad & Christy Buckalew, Richard Schwartz, the youth at 1st Christian Church, The Service Company, Young Professionals of Meridian, Kerry & Vicki Tirman, Percy Bland State Farm Insurance, Caters Market, Delta Sigma Theta, Riley Hospital, and Shelter Insurance.

Of course NONE of this would be possible without the many volunteers that put their heart and souls into the effort. From making calls, to coordinating efforts, to packing the supplies, these are the people that made it all happen: Vicki Tirman, Christy Buckalew, Mary Peavey and Peavey employees, Fredie Carmichael, Crystal Dupré, Sandra Bunyard, Valarie Hampton, Erin Hodgens, David Parker, Virginia Parker, Joy Jones, Sidney Levine, Melanie Howse, Slade Thompson, Joy Henson, Rod Brown, Cala Brown, the many teens of the Boys and Girls Club, The Meridian Star and St. Patrick’s Catholic Church.

The Board of Directors and staff of United Way would like to say a big thank you to each and every one of you that made Supply Our Students successful; additionally we thank the community for supporting the efforts of United Way. This is truly what it means to “Live United."



Janie Brown

Campaign Director

United Way of East Mississippi and West Alabama

        

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