East End Allegiance seeks supply donations

School will be starting up soon, and whether students attend in person or online, they will need supplies.

One local organization has stepped up to help needy children in the community. The East End Allegiance: Our Youth is a nonprofit organization in Sulphur Springs devoted to making a difference in the lives of youth, according to their mission statement. They strive to empower local youth to be self-sufficient and confident in their being through education, enrichment activities, training, mentorship and community involvement.

The EAA is preparing for their third annual Back to School Ready “Drive-Thru” event to be held at 5 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5 at Pacific Park in Sulphur Springs. This year’s event will look a little different, as it will be a drive-thru event.

The goal this year is to give away 75 backpacks filled with school supplies and hygiene bags, along with a hot dog and chips.

The East End Allegiance is seeking donations to make this event successful and meet the needs of the youth in the community.

Anyone interested in donating supplies, food items or money for EEA to purchase school supplies, leave a message on the EAA’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ouryouth903/. To ensure all backpacks are “even,” organizers are requesting the following items.

Items needed for backpacks include:

• Pencils—yellow or black

• Pocket folders with brads

• Wide-ruled spiral notebooks

• Crayola crayons

• Wide-ruled notebook paper

• Crayola brand markers

• Gender-neutral backpacks

• Elmer's Glue

• Glue sticks

• Scissors

• Pencil box

• Pencil bag

• Erasers

Items needed for hygiene bags include:

• Toothpaste

• Toothbrush

• Deodorant

• Soap (bar or travel size body wash)

Businesses interested in donating services, items or coupons should contact EAA via Facebook. President Bridgette Cooper can be contacted directly at 972-802-8705, and Sulphur Springs resident Jady Pogue Martin can be contacted at 903-348-3510.

Donations of drinks, napkins, hot dogs, small bag chips, hot dog buns and condiment packages are needed to prepare the meal to go. The East End Allegiance relies on the support of donors to help ensure they are able to meet the needs of the youth and prepare them for a ready start for the school year. All extra donated items will go to Sulphur Springs ISD.

Pick up of donations can be arranged, and monetary donations can be made at Alliance Bank.