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Two organizations packed crayons, pencils, masks, sanitizer and more in dozens of backpacks for free Monday afternoon for a back to school giveaway.

Rickeyria Phillips with RP and the Adaptive Growth and Cultural Advancement Organization (AGCAO) partnered to get school supply donations in the hands of students in Troup County that need it.

“We wanted anyone and everyone to come, and we don’t require a child to be in attendance,” Phillips said. “If people knew of someone that needed it, we’ve had people come by and get backpacks.”

Phillips currently is a P 31B in the U.S. Army and travels from Columbus to LaGrange when she can to help volunteer in the LaGrange community.

Phillips said she decided to do a back-to-school giveaway when she saw mutual friends and parents in LaGrange struggling to pay for supplies due to layoffs and other effects from COVID-19.

“My sisters and brothers live here, so I have been paying attention to the school system and what has been happening in Troup County,” Phillips said. “This is such a time of need and there are a lot of struggles right now going on.”

Along with school supplies, volunteers also stuffed bags with snacks for students to have the first week of school.

“We got a lot of donations from other local organizations, co-workers and from our own family members,” Phillips said.

“We are just excited we were able to do this for the community. This won’t be the last event you see us at either. We love helping out here and serving in LaGrange.”