Last Saturday’s massive turnout for the 13th annual Heart of Oklahoma Back to School Bash pretty well summed up what’s going on, economically speaking, these days.
In triple-digit heat on asphalt and concrete people lined up both eastbound and westbound on Main Street to reap the free school supplies.
The line to the west stretched all the way from Main and Second to the Veteran’s Memorial at Main and Third.
Going east the line wasn’t as long but did take up the better portion of 1/3 of a block.
When Justin Blankenship arrived he was stunned at the turnout.
“I didn’t think there would be this many people show up due to the heat,” he said.
But they did. In droves.
Blankenship and his troupe made up 700 new backpacks filled with school supplies for this year’s event.
They had 117 left over from last year.
All 817 backpacks were gone in 45 minutes time.
When one person heard of the number of people they said, “people are hurting.”
Blankenship agreed.
Money is scarce.
Gasoline is higher than a kite and inflation has prices soaring on everything.
The free school supplies were definitely a shot in the arm for those in need.
Blankenship apologized for running out of backpacks.
He said plans for next year include more than this year.
Heart of Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce members raised the bulk of the funds that totalled just a smidgen south of $11K.
jdm
Purcell’s annual Red & White scrimmage will be Saturday at Conger Field at 6 p.m.
Leading up to the scrimmage will be a silent auction beginning at 5:15 p.m.
The silent auction will give way to a live auction at 5:30 p.m.
Silent auction bids will be accepted until 6:45 p.m.
Gate donations of soap, towels and deodorant are encouraged.
Food and water will be available for purchase to benefit the After Prom.
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