Dyess 56 Club collects school supplies for local children

  • Published
  • By Airman First class Hicks
  • 7BW
DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas --  Dyess 56 Club is scheduled to host a backpack and school supply drive July 15 at the base exchange from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to support Abilene Big Brothers/Big Sisters program.
 
Backpacks, pencils, pens and other items children may use in school should be brought to the base exchange from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. where volunteers inside near the food court will collect the donations. 

"Last year was our first year holding a backpack and school supply drive," said Tech. Sgt. Yolanda Hands, 7th Mission Support Group. "We plan on making the drive an annual event to help the families in the local community." 

"The backpack and school supply drive would benefit more than half of the children involved in the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program," said Susanne Cruz, Big Brothers/Big Sisters match specialist. "I have gotten a lot of feedback from the families and they are excited about the event." 

Last year's donated items went to Abilene Independent School District students. 

The 56 Club is comprised of staff and technical sergeants who promote professional enhancement through enlisted heritage and core values. Previous community events the club supported include Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Bowl for Kids' Sake, blood drives for the Meek Blood Center at Hendricks Medical Center, and the Walk for Babies. These programs helped Dyess and Abilene raise more than $200,000. 

Another backpack and supply drive is scheduled for Aug. 1 at Wal-Mart.