BACK TO SCHOOL BASH
School supplies giveaway, career day Saturday
BY CHARLOTTE SMITH Editor

Willie Lacy and Lynna Lacy package supplies for Saturday's Back to School Bash in Troup. The first-time event will be from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the Troup Library.

The "small church with the big heart" is pouring a lot of love into Saturday's Back to School Bash at the Troup Library. With each bag of school supplies given out, and through the words of each guest speaker, Lighthouse of Prayer Church hopes to arm those about to go back to school with both the practical and the philosophical.

"We want them to come out and get their supplies, but we also want to encourage them to stay in school," said Mrs. Willie Lacy. "We want the kids to go back with a desire and motivation to have a purpose, and to know that they can accomplish that through education."

The church has secured a variety of basic school supplies, thanks to the donations of local businesses, and has lined up several speakers for the career day portion of the event. Those scheduled to speak include a college counselor, banker, firefighter, nurse, pastor, professional basketball player, dental assistant and Brookshire's store manager.

Army, Navy and Air Force recruiters will also be on hand to discuss military career opportunities.

Again, the event is entirely free of charge, and the public is urged to attend, said Mrs. Lacy. There are no requirements for receiving the free school supplies.

The Back to School Bash follows the church's Father's Day picnic event, which was hampered by poor weather.

Although small in size, Lighthouse is trying to make an impact on the community.

"We are trying to do things that bring people together no matter their race, background or economic level," said Mrs. Lacy. "The church is the community, and we really want to be a part of that."