GENTRY, AR – Dr. Jeff and Morgan Tucker, owners of Tucker Chiropractic Center in Gentry, have donated more than $15,000 to support Gentry Public Schools’ Ready Day One initiative, which advances the goal of providing free school supplies to all students in the district next school year.
The Tucker family’s donation -- $15,964 – will specifically provide free school supplies for students at Gentry Intermediate School (grades 3-5), ensuring that all students and families at the school will have the necessary supplies for the 2026-27 school year.
The Tuckers and Dr. Damon Cripps from Tucker Chiropractic Center were greeted at a surprise event Tuesday at the school by administrators, School Board President Melissa Holland, and dozens of enthusiastic intermediate school students who will benefit directly from the gift. The students waived ‘thank you’ signs and showed their enthusiastic appreciation to the Tuckers as they entered the school’s Student Center.
With a longstanding heart for children and the Gentry community, the Tuckers have served in several volunteer roles within the district over the past three years and have also provided financial support to students as needs arise. They have been active in the Primary School Parent-Teacher Organization and have been instrumental in raising funds and generating community support for the district’s youngest learners.
“We want to contribute to our schools and our community in meaningful ways, and we believe in this program that provides free school supplies to all students,” Morgan Tucker said. “We’re proud to support Gentry Public Schools and hope other businesses and leaders in our community will join us in supporting this important campaign.”
Gentry’s Ready Day One initiative is raising approximately $65,000 to ensure that students and families are not burdened by the cost of school supplies at the beginning of the school year. In the past, identifying which families need assistance has been challenging, and many parents are understandably reluctant to disclose their financial situations. Additionally, nearly all Gentry families – regardless of income – face the challenge of taking time off work and traveling to other communities to purchase specific school supplies.
The initiative ensures that all students will have the necessary supplies on the first day of school and begin each year on equal footing. By purchasing supplies in bulk, the district can reduce costs while still providing high-quality brands – such as Crayola crayons, Elmer’s glue sticks, and Ticonderoga pencils – instead of lower-quality alternatives. This approach allows the district and its partners to provide all required supplies at a much lower cost.
“We sincerely appreciate the Tucker family – they genuinely love our community and support our schools in so many ways, and this is just one example of how they put that support into action,” said Gentry Superintendent Dr. Tyler Broyles. “I firmly believe families shouldn’t have to purchase basic supplies for their children to be successful at school, and the Tuckers not only share that vision but are leaders in making it happen.”
The district piloted the program last year at one school, providing more than 12,000 pencils, 1,000 boxes of crayons, 2,800 glue sticks, 560 pocket folders, and a variety of other supplies—including dry erase markers, notebooks, and even Play-Doh for creative kindergarteners. It was extremely positive and well received by both families and teachers, leading Broyles and the School Board to examine ways to broaden it to all students for the next school year.
“This is incredibly exciting for our students and families,” said Kristen Smartt, principal of Gentry Intermediate School. “Removing the stress of school supply shopping gives families peace of mind and ensures our students have exactly what they need to start the year strong. As someone who cares deeply about this community, I’m truly grateful for partners like the Tucker family who invest in our children and help set them up for success from day one.”
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Mark Scott, Director of Community Engagement, Gentry Public Schools
mscott@gentrypioneers.com; 479-264-0103