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By Gloria Kates, for The Daily News

The Back 2 School Supply Drive-thru giveaway on Saturday, Aug. 22, was a great success to say the least, in that over 162 book bags, along with face masks, miniature hand sanitizer, and census fans for the students.

Special thank you to Melody Reed, United Way of Southeast Louisiana providing book bags and school supplies; Janet Jackson, United Parcel Service in providing face masks and residual hand sanitizer; Rev. Raymond E. Mims Sr. in providing the venue to pick up supplies at The Greater Ebenezer Baptist Church; Marilyn Lott, Administrator providing assistance in the initial set up; Chief Moody and the Bogalusa Fire Department in filling miniature hand sanitizer bottles; Officer in Charge John Rester and the Bogalusa Police Department periodic patrol; City of Bogalusa and the U.S. Census In providing US Census fans; Bogalusa Daily News in publishing the community announcement; Justin Brown in providing morning refreshments; Larry Brown in providing morning refreshments and ice; TD Kates in transport of supplies; Paul and Vickie Kates providing the trailer; and Gloria Kates In providing book bags, school supplies, and morning refreshments.

And to no avail we would not have been successful without our Volunteers and supporters: Set up crew, Pat Rhodes, Fred Hill, Gloria Kates, TD Kates, and Larry Brown; School supply distributors, Cheryl Batiste, Gretchen Brown, Regina Greely, Gloria Kates, Joel Miller (relief), Deitra Mixon, Myra Neese, Regina Powell, Melody Reed, and Debra Breland Young; Entrance and Exit guards, Larry Brown and TD Kates; photographers and video media, TD Kates and Melony Reed; and Organizer, Gloria Kates.

Again, a heartfelt thanks to all parents/designees who participated . This project is a continued Back to School supply giveaway initiated since my tenure as Councilwomen each year, but on a much larger scale thanks to the United Way and United Parcel Service. To God Be the Glory.

Note: Residual Book Bags and School supplies will be given at a later date via churches that may be interested in receiving school supplies for students. (Another announcement will be released).