By By Robbie Byrd, News Editor
It's that time of year again. School starts for many on August 9.
Time for big yellow school buses, recess bells, new backpacks and moms with empty pockets.
Tawana Thomas is getting her school supplies ready for the upcoming school year.
But she's not going back to school: Tawana Thomas is hoping to help some mothers that might have the "empty pocket syndrome."
Thomas will be giving away several hundred bags of school supplies to local children and their parents.
Thomas is owner of James Wilson Christian Bookstore, located at 103 N. Main St., and will begin giving away the bags there on Tuesday, August 6 beginning at 9 a.m.
Thomas said she plans to pass out until she "passes out."
"We're going to give them away until there are none left," Thomas said.
Thomas, who was just released from the hospital after having heart surgery, said that she might have to miss this year's event.
"If I'm not there, I'll be there in spirit," Thomas said.
She urged anyone that would like to volunteer to just show up.
This isn't the first such project for Thomas. She began the school supply program last year here in Atmore, and it was very well received by the community, she said.
So, she decided to do the same thing, not once but twice, this year alone.
Thomas handed out Christmas presents during December, as well as preparing Easter bags filled with religious and spiritual surprises for Atmore's children.
"The reason I love doing this is because it's a blessing from God," Thomas said. "I feel like he has anointed me to be a cheerful giver."
This year, Thomas said the bags will contain items such as paper, folders, pencils, glue and other supplies.
Thomas has prepared around 600 bags, but warns that demand is high.
"They're usually gone pretty fast," Thomas said.
Anyone interested in donating items to place in the bags may contact Thomas at 368-4453.