Getting Tallahatchie Counties Kids Ready for the New Year
On Saturday, August 6th, the East and West communities of Tallahatchie County came together as one to prepare the kids for school and celebrate the new academic year at the Tallahatchie Back to School Expo! As the leading supporter and organizer, TELA brought together over 48 community organizations, partners, and local businesses to make the Expo a fun, engaging kickoff for Tallahatchie County families. Both counties combined resources and supplies to ensure all children received everything they needed to get them on the road to success for the new school year.
Over 450 parents, caregivers and children attended this free community event, enjoying live music, play time, bag lunches, snow cones, and lots of games. Chief Flowers and his volunteer firefighters grilled hamburgers and hotdogs, and the Wellness Center gave away free diapers to parents in need, as well as free blood pressure checks.
Families picked up free books, backpacks, uniforms, supplies, games, and information to help their children prepare for the new school year.
Across East and West Tallahatchie locations, families received:
- 338 backpacks
- 316 sets of uniforms
- 244 packets of school supplies
- 260 books
- 30 early childhood social and emotional kits
- 12 pairs of shoes
- 8 COVID-19 shots
The Back to School Expo was the best gift that could have happened to Tallahatchie County. Many parents were so appreciative of the supplies and uniform they received. It made me feel good to serve and share with my friends of Tallahatchie County. We have got to do this again next year!
– Eula Johnson-Interventionist at CES
Special thanks to the planning committee:
Mechelle Wallace, Excel by 5
Beatrice House, Healthy Families of Mississippi
Angela Etheridge, Tallahatchie County Library
Ashley Kilcrease, Save the Children
Kierra Brooks, Save the Children
Audra Brown, Tallaahchie County Library
Shirley Williams, Tougaloo College/Delta Health Partners
Bridney Jones, Charleston Elementary School
Fresca Suggs, Charleston Elementary School
Sharon Herron, West Tallahatchie Headstart Center
Kimberly Winters, Eva Covington Head Start Center
Eloise McClinton, ICS Head Start
Sherry Ellington, West Tallahatchie School District
Venita Halbert, Emmett Till Interpretive Center
Shenika King, Save the Children
Meg Sinervo, Meek Foundation
Pearl Watts, Tallahatchie County Alliance, Inc.
Willie Williams, Rollins United Methodist Church
Eula Johnson, Retired Teacher
Sedrick Smith, Mayor of Charleston
Sykes Sturividant, The Sturdivant Family
Thomas Reynolds, MS State Representative
Latrenda Bounds, Election Tax Commissioner
Catherine Moring, James C. Kennedy Wellness Center
Jessie Jaynes, Tougaloo College/Delta Health Partners
Dana Colinger, C.A.R.E
Concetta Wells, Charleston Community Center
Ricky Garvin, Table of Life Ministry
Marvell Hudson, East Tallahatchie School District
