Backpacks from Orchard

Thanks to the generosity of the Orchard School community, our "Backpacks from Orchard" project sent 187 backpacks filled with school supplies to Central Middle School in Gulfport, Mississippi.  Our backpacks were awaiting needy students in this hurricane-ravaged city when school reopened there on October 3rd, 2005.

Here are the backpacks in Orchard School's Library Media Center before shipment to Gulfport, Mississippi.
Students wrote personal messages that were included in each of the backpacks.

Students helped with packing boxes for shipment to Mississippi.
They're ready to go!

Here is a Gulfport Central School staff member and the school's  principal, Eddie Peasant, unloading the truck that contained Orchard's backpacks.
In this picture, Mr. Peasant and his assistant principal are reading a card that was sent with the backpacks.  The card contained a check for $750.00 from the Orchard School community.

Mr. Peasant, his assistant principal and Beverly Brahan, the president of the Mississippi Association of Educators check out Orchard's donation.
They were absolutely thrilled.  According to Mrs. Brahan, "They indicated they would have students write to you all."

More from Mrs. Brahan, who helped to deliver our backpacks:

"This last photo is of Mr. Peasant reading a note enclosed in the backpack.  They were overwhelmed with the great gifts of support for their students.  I hope you will hear from them soon.

I will forward to Mr. Peasant your email address.  EPeasant@bellsouth.net

They are working hard to get their school and students back on track and really appreciate your help and support.

Thanks for all you have done to help Gulfport Central Middle School.

Sincerely,

Beverly Brahan, President
Mississippi Association of Educators"

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Page created by Donna Macdonald, Orchard School's Library/Media Specialist.

  This page last updated: 03/11/06.