Brandon Junior Women Provide Back-to-School Supplies for Kenly Students

A Brandon group dedicated to improving the lives of children provided backpacks and school supplies last week to needy children at Kenly Elementary School in Tampa.

According to Donna Johnson-Griffin, a member of the Brandon Junior Woman's Club, club members surprised Kenly students at the school's open house Thursday with 80 new backpacks, donated by the Tampa Bay Bucs, filled with school supplies the club has collected throughout the year.

"Members also distributed supplies to each child at Kenly and those children who did not attend the open house will receive their supplies from the teacher the day school begins," said Johnson-Griffin, noting that the school was chosen because of its large percentage of underprivileged children and because it improved it school grade last year.

The club is currently making plans for its annual Santa's Crop for the Kids (formerly Santa in September) to raise funds for the club's annual Christmas party of underprivileged children, a program for underprivileged school children chosen by guidance counselors at 21 of the elementary schools in the area. 

The crop party for scrapbook enthusiasts will take place Saturday, Oct. 1 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 2923 John Moore Road in Brandon. 

The cost is $35 and includes nine hours of crop time, breakfast, lunch, snacks, raffle/door prizes, a silent auction, vendors, goodie bags and make-n-takes. 

Registrations received by Sept. 17 will earn five extra raffle tickets. 

Visit www.santascropforthekids.weebly.com for more information and a registration form. 

"Santa's Crop for the Kids" is one of the club's major fundraisers to make the children's holiday party possible.