By Hanna Singh
As the school year quickly approaches, the Michael Brooks Family Clinic is helping students get ready to hit the books.
This Friday the clinic will host a Back-to-School Supply Giveaway. Staff will distribute backpacks filled with school supplies to students from kindergarten through 12th grade to help them prepare for the upcoming year.
Over the past month, the Michael Brooks Family Clinic raised funds and collected supplies from community donations for the giveaway. The supplies will be distributed to students who attend the event, with any remaining items donated to their Lincoln Parish Adopt-a-School. Clinic Manager Amber Brazzel highlighted the importance of providing school supplies to local students.
“Students need the proper tools to participate in class, complete their assignments and learn. Not having the necessary supplies could leave them feeling unprepared, decreasing their self-esteem and self-confidence,” Brazzel said. “We want our students to be prepared and excel in school. Early education provides a foundation for the future. A strong foundation will help students develop the skills they need to become well-functioning adults. Our giveaway is just a small way we can help them be prepared to achieve these goals.”
This is the first year the clinic has organized the backpack and supplies giveaway. In previous years, the clinic hosted a cookout and food giveaway during the week of Thanksgiving for their patients and the local community. With funds from the owner and support from local businesses, the clinic distributes 100 to 200 bags of food and hot lunches annually for the event.
Given the inflated cost of living currently, the clinic decided to add a second fundraiser this year to help parents of school-aged children by providing backpacks and supplies. They plan to make the school supply giveaway an annual event, alongside the food giveaway.
Medical Assistant Makenzie Henderson shared why the clinic devotes time and efforts to giving back to the community.
“I believe that this school supply drive is very beneficial for those in need. We have a big place in our hearts for our patients and our community,” Henderson said. “We strive to give back to our people the most that our resources allow us to. The more blessings we sprinkle, the better this community will be.”
The Michael Brooks Family Clinic extends its gratitude to local businesses and community members who have donated to support Lincoln Parish students. Until Friday, donations can be dropped off at the front office at 612 South Farmerville St., Ruston, LA 7270, between 8 a.m. and 12 p.m., and 1 p.m. and 5 p.m. Donations can be monetary or include school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, loose-leaf paper, pens, highlighters, crayons, glue, scissors, and folders. The clinic also has an Amazon wish list of products that donors can purchase, which is shared on their Facebook page.
“Our clinic strives to make positive connections with our patients and the Ruston community,” Brazzel said. “Any way that we can help with quality healthcare, patient education and community service projects strengthen our ties with our community and helps to make Ruston even better than it already is.”
