August 7, 2021 was an extremely busy day for The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods (ASJN). To help prepare Jackson Public School students for the 2021-2022 school term, The Association of South Jackson Neighborhoods donated 550 book bags to needy students. Presidents of 20 Homeowners Associations (HOA) and community leaders were asked to identify students who needed a book bag to begin the school year. Participating HOAs included: Cedar Hills, Carriage Hills, Woodville Heights, Will-O-Wood, Oak Creek, Brookhollow, Brookwood, Wingfield, Vernon Circle, Brookleigh, Elton Woods, Raintree Place, Heritage Hills, Forest Lake, Forest Hill, Ridgecrest, Swan Lake and Western Hills, just to name a few.

Each book bag was filled with paper, pencils, pens, scissors, ruler, pencil sharpener, folders, crayons and glue. S. McCarthy, mother of 6 year old Quincy, was delighted to receive the much needed school supplies. She stated, “Every little bit helps. This will enable me to purchase additional items for my two other children”. Another mother, T. Sanders, says she is excited to have all the support from the community going into the new school year.

Book bags were made possible through generous donations from Trustmark Bank, AMR, Comcast, Walmart, BancorpSouth Bank, Pastor JT Robinson and ASJN. Book bags were passed out to each Homeowners Association President at Peggy Hobson Calhoun Community Center, 4243 Will-O-Wood Blvd., Jackson, MS 39212 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m..

Special “Thank You” to Cherie Caradine (Coordinator) and team: Ernest Ward, Johnny Byrd, Florine Keeler, Dr. Patricia Jackson, Katalba Allen, Willa Watson, Brittney Bowman. Elvante Seaton, Hazel McLaurin, Charles Brooks and Charles Minor for spearheading the 2021-22 Book Bag Drive.