Family Connection Plans Back-to-School Rally

Targie Folds, executive director of the Jasper County Family Connection, talked to members of the Monticello Kiwanis Club Monday about what Family Connection does, and its upcoming plans.

Family Connection will sponsor a back-to-school rally and health fair on Saturday, July 29, from 9 to 11 a.m., at Jasper County High School. It has been held in the past at Washington Park Elementary School, so the location has changed this year. Also, this year, the child must be present to receive a backpack and school supplies.

Family Connection will provide backpacks for the expected crowd of 500 children, and members of the community offer school supplies to fill the backpacks. Anyone interested in participating is asked to contact Ms. Folds at 706-468-4959. With it being indoors this year, participants don’t have to bring tents for shade or tables, as the school will provide tables, said Ms. Folds.

Several health screenings will be available…some for free, and others at a greatly reduced rate.

Ms. Folds said that Family Connection celebrated its 25th birthday last year, and it is 22 years old in Jasper County. The goal for Family Connection is for all families to reach their full potential and become economically stable.

In addition to the back-to-school rally, Family Connection is the sponsor group for Backpack Buddies, whereby food is sent home over the weekend to children in needy families. Last year the entity provided 128 meals a month to children in primary and elementary school, and this year they are adding the middle school. It costs only $150 a year to sponsor a child. The food or money for food is donated, and volunteers put the bags together, and deliver them to the schools twice a month.

The cooperative meets the second Tuesday in each month at noon at Southern Crescent Technical College, and public is invited to attend. Joan Bell is the current chair of the organization.

Robert Cumbie is the president of the Monticello Kiwanis Club. The club meets each second and fourth Monday at noon at Monticello First United Methodist Church. Interested persons are encouraged to attend. Contact Mr. Cumbie at 770-598-4305 to make reservation or for more information.