Editorial by Bobby Tingle

 

I am probably not as true blue and patriotic as I like to think of myself as. My red, white and blue, apple pie and baseball image I try to project is probably severely tarnished. I have some aversions some do not understand.

Dawn Burleigh, editor of The Orange Leader, called me the other day to let me know she was bringing links back to the office. There are five of us in the office. She was bringing four link lunches. She was leaving me out, there would be no link for me, but she was giving me the opportunity to opt-in. I didn’t take the bait.

You see, I don’t do links or hot dogs, unless I have no other choice.

I must admit it was tempting, but only because it was for a good cause. Her call came from a fundraising event for Back to School Orange County that was held last Friday at Granger Chevrolet.

Back to School Orange County is a local organization of local individuals. These folks have come together over the years to provide school supplies and a variety of other items and services for local students. Each year an event is held prior to the beginning of the school year.

The event will be held August 13, 2016 from 9 am – 12 noon at the Lamar State College-Orange Student Center. “Butch” Campbell, director of security and Cindy Wyles, director of marketing for the college are among the many individuals who contribute to the success of the event each year. Steven Burks is the event coordinator and he is quick to point out that there are forty-seven groups that get credit for the success of this event. They accomplish their goal with the help of Orange Christian Services to raise money, register students and manage the event from A to Z.

Students receive a packet with school supplies at the event. In the past, they have also been able to get their vision and hearing checked. Local barbers or beauticians have provided haircuts. This year, an immunization clinic will be set up by VaxANation where students can receive their vaccinations. According to Wyles, many other churches, organizations and businesses will be on hand with a variety of items for students.

The promotion flyer for this year’s event urges parents to pre-register their student. You can do so at Orange Christian Services or Lamar State College-Orange. Supplies are limited and will be distributed on a first come first served basis unless your student is preregistered. More information is available at backtoschoolorange.com.

The organization is currently in need of funding. Area residents can make a donation at https://www.gofundme.com/b2soc. All donations go directly to Orange Christian Services.

Back to School Orange County was recently able to help students when they returned to school after the catastrophic flood. They also have supplies on hand mid way through the school year for teachers whose supplies have been depleted.

Now, I need to go make a donation to take care of my guilt for passing up the link.

 

Bobby Tingle is publisher of The Orange Leader. You can reach him at bobby.tingle@orangeleader.com.