A total of 589 students from all over Fannin County, including 319 students from Bonham, got off to a better start at school thanks to a generous community.  This year marked the thirteenth year that the Fannin County Children’s Center has provided school supplies to needy families.

More than fifty local individuals, families, churches, businesses and other organizations contributed pencils, crayons, markers, paper, notebooks, cash and other items to the project. 

“This was the second most number of children we have served in one year,” said Sandy Barber of the Children’s Center.  Last year this project served 670 students in grades K-12.  The students came from every district in Fannin County.  Families had to show proof of financial need such as a Medicaid card or Food Stamps.

In addition to the 319 students from Bonham, 111 students served were from Honey Grove, 44 from Leonard, 22 from Sam Rayburn, 21 from Dodd City, 20 from Fannindel, 17 from Trenton, 12 from Savoy and 10 from Ector.  The remaining 13 are Fannin County children in foster care who live and go to school outside of the county.

Most children expressed excitement as they received their new crayons, markers, notebooks and other supplies.  Others were not quite so enthusiastic about the thought of school starting.  Parents and other caregivers routinely thanked the staff and volunteers who were handing out the supplies.

“We really appreciate the wonderful generosity of our donors and the dedicated efforts of our volunteers,” said Barber.  “Once again, everything came together.  This is always a team effort of our volunteers, staff and community.”  

Red River Regional Hospital was a community drop off site for those wishing to contribute.  Linda Gazaway, Marketing Director for the hospital, said that employees and auxiliary members brought in many supplies.  Employees at the Buster Cole and Moore prisons also collected items, as did many local churches.  Children and youth from First Presbyterian Church in Bonham helped organize supplies and get them ready for distribution.