Operation Back to School Drive at Main Street Books

LOCAL EFFORT WILL HELP PROVIDE SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR IRAQI CHILDREN A drive to provide school supplies to Iraq children is being coordinated locally through Main Street Books, in Downtown Hattiesburg. The drive, OPERATION: Back to School, is asking people to make a difference in an Iraqi child's life by being a part of "the Mother of all" school supply drives. Organizers of the drive are Camp Taji in Iraq. The camp's goal is 10,000 "Back to School Kits" for needy children in rural Iraq. Team Taji is a group of military, civilian, and contractor personnel deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq. The effort is strictly volunteer, without affiliation with any organizations, military, religious or otherwise. The campaign is being moved by these volunteers who ask friends and family in their hometowns to donate kits. Locally Diane and Jerry Shepherd are coordinating the campaign because Diane's brother is deployed to Camp Taji, Iraq.  According to Diane Shepherd, 24 kits have been assembled and are on display at the Book Store. "Individuals can participate in two ways. We will sell the bags we have assembled for $8.00 each, then buy supplies and assemble more bags, or individuals can purchase supplies and drop bags off at the Book Store", Diane Shepherd said. "Supplies will be sent as sufficient numbers are available to fill the special boxes", Shepherd said. The list of supplies to make up a kit are: One each, composition notebook, small box of colored pencils (not crayons), package of wide rule paper, blunt tip scissors, ruler, small pencil sharpener, large eraser, zipper pencil pouch, dozen pencils. Additionally three folders with pockets are also needed for each kit.  It is requested that no items contain any political or religious messages, and that no used items are included. Items for the kit are to be placed in a large two-gallon Ziploc bag, and dropped off at Main Street Books, 210 Main Street, Hattiesburg. All items must be shipped by the last of August. Additionally, according to Team Taji, Iraqi kids love soccer and the donation of soccer balls is welcome. Donated soccer balls should be deflated and accompanied by a small air pump. Team Taji will distribute the balls and pumps to the children. Information about the kits is available by visiting Main Street Books, 210 Main Street, or calling 601.584.6960, or e-mail at hattiesburgbooks@aol.com.