Back-to-School Drive Gives Students Fresh Start

McKENZIE (July 26) — Webb School alumni and volunteers from McKenzie’s First Baptist Church joined forces to host a back-to-school drive at McKenzie’s historic Webb School. The drive — which offered free clothes, shoes, backpacks, school supplies, personal hygiene products and haircuts — drew in a large gathering of volunteers and shoppers alike.

The Webb School gymnasium was packed with clothing and supplies that had been organized by volunteers the night before. Booths and clothing racks were labeled by clothing sizes and types, from boys/girls 4T to men’s 3XL. In an adjacent hallway, barbers and hairdressers set up stations to give young students fresh hairstyles going into the new school year.

Shoppers were allowed three outfits, one pair of shoes, a backpack and other supplies per student. The drive supported students in kindergarten through eighth grade.

Three years ago, Kim Bell Webb said God gave her a vision to give back to the community through a back-to-school drive. “The economy’s high,” she said. “Parents who make $7 an hour can’t afford to get school clothes for three kids.”

As the program has grown, so have its supporters. “This year the Lord has really, truly blessed us with people wanting to come aboard and partner with us,” said Webb. The Webb Alumni Association received donations ranging from $20 to thousands of dollars in preparation for this event.

Carlton Townes, a senior at McKenzie High School, was one of the youngest volunteers at the event, representing both the First Baptist Church and Webb alumni. A descendant of Webb alumni, he grew up in the Webb community and attended Headstart at Webb School.

“I never regret anything I do when it comes to this stuff,” said Townes. “When you come across these people, you never know the impact that you have on them.”

McKenzie Mayor Ryan Griffin said, “I’m very grateful for our community to come alongside those that maybe can’t afford to go back-to-school shopping or maybe need that fresh start, that fresh haircut, to start off the new school year.”

Typically, Webb School alumni and the First Baptist Church have separate back-to-school events. Webb alumni host theirs in the Webb School gymnasium, and First Baptist Church members have theirs in Mulberry Park. This year, due to construction at the park, the two organizations joined together to help the community.

McKenzie’s 2025-26 school year begins with a half-day on August 5.