Guinn students get backpacks, supplies

The two boys were comparing what was in their backpacks at Guinn Elementary School last Thursday. Their backpacks were filled with school supplies such as folders, writing tools and sheets of paper. "I've got colored pencils and he didn't," said Ivan Anguiango, peering inside his bag. "These are really cool." "Mine's green," said Ivan Jaimez. "I like that color." And so the two 9-year-olds discussed the state of their backpacks. Except it wasn't the first day of school. Classes had been taking place at this year-round school for several weeks, but this was the first day some students had the necessary equipment to learn. For the third year, Unity Community Church donated about 100 backpacks filled with school supplies to Guinn students whose families could not afford them. Most of the backpacks were handed out last Thursday, but some have been saved for students who are off-track. The main force behind the donations is Aleta Peters, Guinn's vice principal. She pitched the idea to the church membership, and said the congregation's response has been extremely positive ever since. "Everyone at the church has 44 I can't imagine how a student could be expected to learn without the proper tools. CHUCK LEWIS Principal really backed this, and they're the ones that have made it successful," Peters said. So church members go shopping for backpacks and school supplies. Some buy their goods while shopping for their own children's school supplies, while others make special shopping trips. "I think it gives some of the older members something to do," Peters said. At the start of the year, each teacher took an inventory of their students to see which ones didn't come to school with backpacks or the proper supplies. Most of the students without backpacks try to stuff all of their supplies into a folders and carry their books in their arms. "It's hard to just have a folder, because it's hard to carry everything," Jaimez said. "It's easier to have a backpack." Guinn Principal Chuck Lewis watched everything transpire. He said he is amazed by the effort that Peters puts into organizing the backpack giveaway. "It really is her baby," he said. "I can't imagine how a student could be expected to learn without the proper tools." Meanwhile, Anguiango and Jaimez were still reviewing the contents of their backpacks to find out whose was better, and if they might want to trade with someone else. "What's this," said Anguiango, pulling out a small, white packet of silicate, used to keep backpacks dry in the stores. For students who buy new backpacks every year, this might be an expected find, but for students not used to new backpacks it was puzzling. "You're not supposed to eat that," Jaimez said. "I don't know why, but you're not." After the children had gone to the library to write thank-you notes to the members of the church, Peters stood outside reflecting on the day. "I just wish we could get more people and groups involved," she said. "There are so many more students that need supplies. I'd just like to get the word out to people that their help is needed."