GENTRY, Ark. – Churches in the Gentry area have collectively contributed $1,500 to support school supplies for families in need, ensuring dozens of Gentry students in grades 3-5 will receive free school supplies when school begins on Aug. 12.
Members of the Gentry Ministerial Alliance donated the funds on behalf of their congregations, partnering with the Gentry School District to identify students and families in need at the district’s intermediate school. Rather than donating individual items, the churches collaborated with Gentry Public Schools to create complete school supply kits – including pencils, notebooks, folders, markers, and even earbuds to support digital learning.
“We live in a community where our faith-based organizations not only care about our students but also about each other, working together to benefit our city and our kids,” said Gentry Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles. “We’re thankful for their kindness, their generosity, and the important role they play in supporting our students throughout the school year.”
Previously, churches supported families by individually identifying those in need and providing supplies during a time when back-to-school costs can be burdensome. By coordinating with the school district, the Ministerial Alliance can now maximize their impact, purchasing in bulk and ensuring the supplies reach the students who need them most. Churches can also recommend families within their congregations directly to the school district as needs arise.
“We know this is a valuable opportunity and a critical time to support families and students in our community,” said Pastor Dwayne Driggers, pastor of Turning Point Fellowship and head of the Gentry Ministerial Alliance. “We’re fortunate to have churches that work together to fulfill what God is calling us to do. We want to transform and encourage our community, and we’re excited to be part of this purposeful effort.”
Members of the Gentry Ministerial Alliance include:
First Baptist Church of Gentry, Turning Point Fellowship, The Assembly of Gentry, Grace Community Church, Gentry Methodist Church, Gentry First Christian Church, Cornerstone Baptist Church, and Highfill First Baptist Church.
This contribution supports the district’s broader initiative to provide free school supplies to all students. While Gentry Public Schools is currently piloting a program to cover supplies for students in grades K–2, the Ministerial Alliance’s donation expands that effort by providing need-based support to students not included in the pilot program.
By purchasing supplies in bulk, the district and its partners are able to reduce costs while still providing high-quality materials—such as Crayola crayons, Elmer’s glue sticks, and Ticonderoga pencils—instead of cheaper alternatives that may not perform as well.
This strategic purchasing approach allows the school and its partners to provide a full set of supplies for approximately $30 per student.
Families in need of school supplies at the intermediate school can contact the school at 479-736-2252 or reach out to one of the participating churches.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, Gentry Public Schools
mscott@gentrypioneers.com; 479-264-0103