COVINGTON, Ga. - Students in need of school supplies at Livingston Elementary School got a helping hand recently when members of the Covington Employer Committee stopped by the school to donate numerous bags and boxes stuffed with supplies as part of their annual Operation Backpack.

“The Covington Employer Committee is a group of local business representatives who establish and maintain a working relationship between the employer community and the Georgia Department of Labor,” Candace Morris, director of human resources for Bridgestone Golf, said. “In addition to our mission, we support our local community by participating in service projects such as Operation Backpack.  This is our seventh year in gathering school supplies for kids in need. 

“We believe in supporting our local community by providing an avenue for local companies and its employees to partner with the community to help provide a positive impact on the community in which we live.” 

Members of the Covington Employer Committee include Clairon Metals, Bridgestone Golf, Disabled Americans Veterans #55, Express Employment, Fibervisions, MAU Workforce Solutions, Northeast Georgia Regional Commission Workforce Development, Newton County Department of Labor, WestRock of Covington and Debra Lary of Newton College and Career Academy.

“We specifically support Operation Backpack because we know it helps eliminate a financial hurdle for families and prepares kids in need with the tools they need to succeed in school,” Morris said.

“Wow! The Livingston Elementary School family is grateful for the school supply donation from The Covington Employer Committee,” Dr. Patrick Carter, principal of Livingston, said. “Their generosity has allowed the students to be prepared for instruction and for them to see that the community truly cares about them.”