By Samantha Bolden
The Selma Times-Journal

The church, which is located at 375 County Road 121 in Orrville, will hold its third annual book bag giveaway on July 23. From 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., church members will be giving away 360 free backpacks filled with school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis. 

They gave away 100 book bags their first year, 250 the following year, and 360 this year. Each year, the church hopes to give away another 100 more bags with the help of private donors, the community and church members.

The book bags will come in a variety of colors such as red, black, blue, gray and pink.

The supplies in the backpacks will include paper, pencils, tablets, folders, pens, crayons, a ruler and a pencil sharpener.

Students must be present in order to receive a book bag.

Attendees must sign in to ensure they are one of the 360 recipients of the backpacks.

Michelle Coleman, organizer of the event, said that Pastor Curtis Jackson, collaborated with youth directors to form the giveaway, and from there, it turned into a church project.

“First Baptist Church Youth Department has really been blessed with many donations and support from our church family,” Coleman said.

“We decided to use those funds to give back to the children of the Orrville Community, and many others that are not in our community who needs help.”

Any student may receive a backpack, regardless of what school he or she may attend.

Coleman noted that she gets overjoyed seeing the children come out each year.

“I am excited that God has blessed this ministry spiritually and financially and that we are able to help others,” Coleman said. “I am looking forward to the smiles on the kids face next Saturday morning.”

Refreshments will be served at the event.

For more information, contact Coleman at (334) 996-0842.