By ROBIN SHANNON

L’Observateur

GARYVILLE – Residents of Garyville braved the threat of rain Saturday morning and turned out in large numbers for a school supply giveaway and health fair at True Light Baptist Church.

Various agencies, including St. Charles Community Health Center and the St. John Parish Department of Health and Human Services, were on hand with medical information, and various medical professional were present to perform blood pressure, glucose and vision screenings. Marathon in Garyville and St. Charles Community Health Center helped provide the school supplies.

“This was certainly more than just a school supply giveaway,” said Eliza Eugene, who’s Blessed to Be a Blessing Organization was on hand with information about tutoring. “We are all here helping out a community in need. Neighbors and friends are gathering in a positive environment.”

The health center partnered with the St. John Association of Pastors and Ministers, Marathon’s Garyville refinery, True Light, Greater New Zion, Mt. Zion No. 1 and New Hopeful Baptist churches in Garyville to sponsor the second annual event.

Julia Bodden, community outreach coordinator for St. Charles Community Health Center, said the event was able to supply more than 250 children in the Garyville community with the supplies needed for the upcoming school year.

The morning event also featured food, drinks, face painting and door prizes.

Children in attendance also got the chance to get up close with a fire engine as members of the Garyville Volunteer Fire Department were giving tours of one of their trucks.