Duplin County Partnership for Children helps parents get kids ready for school

KENANSVILLE — In preparation for the beginning of the new school year, Duplin County Partnership for Children along with nine other area organizations hosted a drive-thru Back-to-School Community Day in Kenansville on Aug. 19.

“Over 1,400 backpacks were distributed today,” Christy Jones, Duplin County Partnership for Children executive director, told Duplin Journal.

The event, which took place in front of the Duplin County Partnership for Children office on Limestone Road, kicked off at 1 p.m. Vehicles trickled in throughout the day to receive free school supplies and backpacks.

“Everybody’s very thankful, very grateful for the event,” said Jones. “They seem to be very pleased with it.”

Approximately 20 volunteers braved the heat, joining Duplin County Partnership for Children until 7 p.m., welcoming parents and children alike as they pulled in their vehicles.

“Our partners collaborated with us and brought volunteers,” said Jones, adding that the event went well considering they had to reschedule the original date due to rain, and it involved some planning logistics to make everything happen.

The event was made possible with the help of their partners, which included Smithfield, NC Healthy Blue, Eastern Baptist Association, First Baptist Church of Teachey, Duplin County Ray of Hope, Adoram Baptist Church, Anna’s Angels, St. James, and First Missionary Baptist Church of Kenansville.