Non-profit organization gives over 700 backpacks away

LAUREL, MS. - A non-profit organization, Eternity Action Alliance (EAA) passed out over 700 backpacks and supplies to families in Laurel at St. Elmo Baptist Church Friday.

The organization received the backpacks and supplies through donations.

Public Relations Rep. Katherine Parker of EAA said many Pine Belt families struggle financially to prepare their children.

“Sometimes just the money is not there, you never know what a family is going through" said Parker.

She added, "There could have been a death in the family, mom or dad get laid off, there is no telling what takes place in a family.”

According to Parker families say it costs around $150 to prepare a child with supplies for the upcoming school year.

A grandmother, Mary Thompson said, “I saved up to $300 or $400 saving for all the grand-kids going to school."

"Well I got three grandsons to buy pencils and stuff and clothes and everything it really helps us out and it’s a blessing" said Lolita Breland, a grandmother of three

Laurel firefighters and police said they are thankful for EAA's generosity.

Laurel Firefighter, Jeffrey Mclain said, “Normally when we come to work we are either here to save people or their property."

Mclain continued, "And just to see everyone come out here it means a lot to us, just to come out here and do everything for our community."

Kim Stewart an Investigator with the Laurel Police Department said, "I see families struggling day by day they let me know that they can’t make ends meet.”

EAA will be in Hattiesburg at the Ben McNair Center from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday to pass out more backpacks. According to Parker families need to fill out their information to receive a backpack.