YMCA hosts back to school event

By PAMELA GRANT
Cove Leader-Press

The Armed Service YMCA of Copperas Cove celebrated the impending return to school with a school supply giveaway and a day of fun for the community.

From 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday, the YMCA hosted its 5th annual back to school event with free gym registration, games, entertainment, school supplies and food.

“The YMCA tries to do as much as we can to help the community, and I know that the need is there,” said Doreen Vasseur, the YMCA director. “I just feel it’s important…I think it’s awesome that our members got together and wanted to help with the community.”

School supplies given away included almost everything on the school supply list, including backpacks, folders, crayons, tissue boxes, and more. Vasseur said that they got most of their supplies and donations from YMCA members, the Zumba class, Motel 6, and Flawlezz Ryders.

The car club, Flawlezz Ryders, donated 25 extra backpacks to be given away. The club VP, Paul Williams, estimated that their group donated about $200 worth of school supplies for the event.

It’s a great opportunity to volunteer,” said Williams. “Being in a car club, many people in the community think that car clubs are out there getting in trouble. Doing something like this shows the community that we want to do something positive.”

Upbeat music flooded through the YMCA, and children could be seen laughing and having a great time throughout the event. The Rabbit Fest pageant winners hosted their Pretty Princess Parlor where they painted nails and let event goers try on their tiaras, members of Bikers Against Child Abuse let event goers check out their motorcycles, the Copperettes and others put on performances.

“It’s amazing that they do this. It’s something fun and something to get out of the heat,” said Sheree Phaipanya who brought her children Aiden (4) and Gabby (2) to enjoy the day of fun. She didn’t get any of the school supplies, though, saying, “I figured I’d save them for someone who needed it more.”

Eula Scroggins and Antionette Wiggins who work for the YMCA helped set up the giveaway portion of the event.

“A lot of these kids can’t afford these kinds of things,” said Scroggins. “I just wish we could do more.”

“Every little thing helps,” added Wiggins.

“I think it’s very helpful,” said Kisha Arnold who brought her children Eric Johnson (8) and Ayesha Arnold (15) to get some of the school supplies. “This is absolutely 100 percent appreciated.”

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