Rain not a deterrent on Unity Day

Published 9:22 pm Tuesday, August 20, 2013

Edwina English hands school supplies to Kendarrius Bivins during Saturday’s Unity Day at Houston Avery Park.

Edwina English hands school supplies to Kendarrius Bivins during Saturday’s Unity Day at Houston Avery Park.

Saturday’s stormy weather didn’t prevent countless local families from receiving needed school supplies and school uniforms, at the Unity Day celebration at Houston Avery Park.

Sandra Gray, a member of the Concerned Citizens of Atmore, said more than 20 volunteers gave their time and efforts to make sure the day was a success.

Some volunteers handed out school supplies and clothing to families, while others helped grill the hamburgers and hot dogs.

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Gray said that some of the clothing and uniforms were donated from local agencies and businesses, and the rest was purchased with the help of generous monetary donations.

“Our mission was to serve the community and the community really came out and supported us,” she said. “We gave away school uniforms to so many families, and they really needed them.”

Gray said that a group of young men called “Atmore’s Finest” partnered with the CCOA this year, giving away bookbags filled with school supplies. In addition, several high-school and middle-school students offered their help as volunteers.

“There were people who just came up during the day, when the lines were getting really long, and they just volunteered to help however they could,” Gray said.
Families were given tickets that they could exchange for school supplies, food, or clothing, guaranteeing that there would be enough for everyone.

“We served families from not only Atmore, but also Poarch, McCullough, Flomaton and all over our area,” Gray said. “The event went great.”

Gray estimated that more than 200 children were assisted by the Unity Day event.

There were also several other educational opportunities that took place Saturday. Gray said that the Atmore Fire Department taught the kids about fire safety and showed them the city’s fire engine, and representatives from the county health department also came out to inform families about health issues and good hygiene habits.