The Tribune

By DENISE MAYCOCK

Tribune Freeport Reporter

dmaycock@tribunemedia.net

THE Let's Make a Difference programme has expanded its annual back-to-school initiative to Grand Bahama, bringing together civic organizations to distribute nearly 2,000 backpacks filled with school supplies to students in West Grand Bahama.

Melissa Sears, chairman of the Grand Bahama Let's Make a Difference programme, said this year the initiative will benefit students at West End Primary, Holmes Rock Primary and Lewis Yard Primary schools.

She said the initiative is being extended by the charitable arm of the Bahama Stripling Group of Companies, which has operated a Thanksgiving feeding programme in Grand Bahama and the Family Islands for several years.

Ms. Sears said the organization has partnered with several civic groups, including the Rotaract Club, Pilot Club, Kiwanis Club, Lions Club and local lodges, to package and distribute the school supplies.

"All of us decided to come together and we are having a packing party and each club would be distributed a certain amount of bags, pencils, books so that they themselves would be able to distribute in the various communities that they serve in," she said.

She said each backpack will contain books, pencils, rulers and other school supplies.

"We understand that during this time of the year, it could be very stressful for parents trying to get children ready, especially single parents, single mothers. And so we understand the stress and wanted to lend a helping hand."

Ms. Sears said this year's distribution is focused on West Grand Bahama, but organizers hope to expand the programme to East Grand Bahama next year.

The organization also plans to continue its annual Thanksgiving feeding initiative by providing meals to the schools receiving the back-to-school donations.

Ms. Sears thanked the civic organizations that have partnered with Let's Make a Difference since the programme was introduced in Grand Bahama.

"We work through our partners because it is a community initiative. And it's all of us. And so we work together as one. We touch more people that way," she said.

"So when people say no, we can't work together, yes, we can. Let's Make a Difference is proof that we can work together for the betterment of the community."