School Daze, School Daze

An eleven-year tradition will continue on Monday evening when Marlow First Baptist Church hosts its annual School Daze event.

The program, which is entirely funded by the church members, invites school-age children to the Life Center from 6:30pm – 8pm in order to ensure that everyone is ready for the first day of school, which begins on August 13.

Students are invited to come and pick up a bag of grade-specific supplies and choose a backpack, shoes, and peruse the gently-used clothing so that they’ll start the school year with needed items.

Cavin Newman, one of the organizers, said that the event will look a little different this year. “Usually we’ve been able to offer free hair cuts, but with COVID-19, we wanted to make sure everyone stays safe and healthy,” she said. “We will also have some of the items, probably the clothing, outside so that everyone can spread out inside the Life Center.”

Each student in attendance will be asked to complete a registration card so that volunteers can ensure that they receive the correct supplies for their grade level. Parents and guardians are asked to accompany each student in order to assist with choosing items, but organizers would like to limit the number of adults in a group so that all in attendance are able to observe physical distancing with other families.

Newman said that volunteers will be wearing masks, and that masks are preferred for each student and parent. “We’re not going to make it a requirement but we are trying our best to keep everyone safe,” she said.

She added that sanitizer would be readily available.

Last year, the volunteers gave out approximately 325 bags of supplies to area students. Those who are unable to attend the event itself may contact the church office at 580-658-5413 afterward to request a bag of supplies, subject to availability.