By Monique Roth
L’Observateur

RESERVE — Hundreds of school-aged children were smiling ear-to-ear as they attended the fourth annual Blessed To Be A Blessing Back 2 School Extravaganza Saturday at Regala Gymnasium.

Dozens of elected officials, community volunteers and sponsors partnered to give away 600 backpacks and other supplies to St. John the Baptist Parish students who are gearing up for the start of a new school year.

Eliza Eugene, founder of Blessed To Be A Blessing Inc., organized the event. Each attending student was given a backpack, a box packed with essential school supplies and a hygiene kit. Kindergarten students were given a nap mat as well.

A petting zoo, inflatable fun, snowballs, health screenings, smoothies, healthy snacks and raffles were all part of the day, which Eugene said is a highlight for her each year to organize.

Mary Jackson, who attended the event with her granddaughters Ellisha and Dajshone Chapman, said she was overwhelmed with the generosity.

“It’s really such a blessing,” Jackson said of the event, adding she would like to volunteer at the event next year.

Different local organizations and businesses, including St. John Parish Library and United Way of St. John, had tables set up in the gym and gave away prizes, snacks, pencils and information about various programs to the students. District Attorney Tom Daley and Sheriff Mike Tregre also had tables set up, where they met students and parents and handed out important safety information.

Parish President Natalie Robottom and Superintendent Kevin George assisted Marathon employees in handing out the bags, mats and kits. Eugene said Marathon was a major sponsor of the event, taking care of approximately half of the event’s cost this year.

“Education is our No. 1 priority,” Aspen Steib, community relations coordinator at Marathon, said.

She said Marathon has participated in independent backpack giveaways for the past 10 years, but this year’s collaboration with Eugene’s program allowed the company to assist five times more students.

“I am so grateful that Marathon became a title sponsor and other businesses supported this event,” Eugene said. “The sponsorships help us to truly help each child with the tools needed to begin school. It is very important that every child has a healthy start.”

Eugene, who grew up in public housing and was raised by a single parent, said she attended back-to-school giveaways as a child.

“I believe to whom much is given much is required,” Eugene said. “We all have a responsibility to give pack to the communities where we work, live or entertain.”

After the giveaway to 500 students in Reserve, Eugene said another 100 students in Edgard received supplies as well.

Other event sponsors included the St. John Parish Council, St. John Parish School Board, Assessor Whitney Joseph, Bruno Burrell, St. John Parish Health and Human Services, Resurrection Custom, The Metro Group, CJ Savoie & Associates, ASP Designs and Testing, All South Engineers, Meyers Engineering, Guidry and Associates, Yates and Yates, Rep. Randal Gaines, Dr. Camalyn Gaines, Congressman Cedric Richmond, Greenup Industries LLC, Guild South Engineering and Testing INC, Girl Scouts, Snap Fitness, Marques Colson , Professional Engineering Consulting and Left Hand Kreationz LLC.