A Jonesboro ministry took steps this weekend to help local families with back-to-school preparations amid rising financial pressures.
Grace Outreach Ministry, located near the Jonesboro Municipal Airport, distributed 100 backpacks filled with essential school supplies, along with fresh donuts, to children in the community. The event aimed to alleviate parents’ financial challenges as they prepare for the school year.
Pastor Yevette Wright said the initiative reflects the ministry’s mission to support struggling families.
“Because so many in the community right now are struggling,” Wright said. “They’re having financial issues, a lot of people, because everything is so high. To give back, to help the ones we know, like single mothers, just parents that are struggling in general, this is what it’s about.”
The giveaway was funded through "Rock Out Youth Explosion," a youth service event organized by the ministry to raise money for school supplies.
For families unable to attend Saturday's event, Grace Outreach Ministry still has approximately 60 backpacks available. The doors will reopen on Sunday at 10 a.m. to continue distributing the remaining supplies and donuts.
Grace Outreach Ministry’s effort is part of a broader community response to rising costs that have left many families in the area tightening their budgets ahead of the school term.