Star Group-VHV holds backpack giveaway in Copperas Cove

By BRITTANY FHOLER

Cove Leader-Press

Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans gave away approximately 150 backpacks full of school supplies on Saturday afternoon. 

This year was the second year for SG-VHV to give away backpacks. Lovell Mitchell, a Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans member, was contacted last year by a teacher looking for backpacks for their students, so Mitchell ran the idea past the group. The group gave away 50 backpacks last year. 

“It makes me feel real good to receive the support of the community and to support this for the kids so no kids will be turned back,” Mitchell said. “We just thank the Lord for being able to accomplish this mission, and hopefully next year, we can continue on.”

Each backpack was filled with all of the supplies listed on the CCISD school supply list, according to Mitchell. 

“They’re ready to go to school,” he added. 

The backpacks were divided into two age groups - sixth grade through high school and kindergarten through fifth grade. There were 100 bags for the older age group and 50 bags for the elementary group. 

The backpacks were purchased from Moda West, but only the elementary age bags came pre-filled with supplies. Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans had to order the other supplies in bulk for the older age group backpacks, according to Sheila Timmons, executive director of SG-VHV. 

“It fell out of the sky,” Timmons said about settling on the 150 number. “We did 50 last year and it went so fast it was ridiculous. We said, we have got to do better. Come on, there’s a need in this community, and COVID is not making it any better.”

Rose Williams brought her grandchildren, who are in fourth grade in second grade. She said she was so grateful for Star Group-Veterans Helping Veterans for the opportunity. 

“I think that’s awesome, because I’m a veteran myself, so I think it’s awesome that we have this type of facility and they’re there to reach out to help,” Williams said.