Bristol Elks Hold Back to School Supplies Giveaway for Area Students

On Saturday, the Bristol Elks Lodge 201 held a back to school supplies giveaway funded through donations by members of the organization.

Dozens streamed in and out picking up notebooks, pens, glue and other assorted supplies as the new school year beckons.

Organizers put on the school supplies event every year for kids throughout the area-some coming from as far away as Ewing Township in New Jersey.

Karla Davis, who comes all the way from Ewing Township  with her five grandchildren, said, “the Elks do this every year for the kids and the community. It helps a lot.”

“Its important our children start of the school year right to be successful with their education. If kids have no supplies, or the things they need for class, they’ll be behind from moment one” said Priscilla Lewis, committee chair for the back to school supplies event.

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Lewis, a member of  the lodge for 15 years glowed watching streams of children lining  up, chattering with each other waiting for their turn to collect the array of colorful supplies made available through donations from members of Elks and the various fundraising efforts they hold.

Harry S. Truman High School Junior  Shawntese Johnson, looking forward to taking on another year of Spanish said the giveaway was real important for her as her mother nodded in agreement.

“We need to keep our children out of the courtrooms and in classrooms. Preparing them for school will accomplish that goal, ” Lewis said.