By Analiz G. Schremmer

(LONGVIEW, Texas) — The line outside First Baptist Longview snaked through the parking lot and out into the streets for hours on Aug. 14. Meanwhile, volunteers inside the building were cutting hair, distributing backpacks and giving shots to area children.“I’m here to get school supplies for my kids and hair cuts,” said Chris Smith as he waited in line with his children. “I think this is a great thing what these people are doing because most of us here can’t afford school supplies.”

[caption id="attachment_1353" align="alignright" width="250" caption="Children participating in the School Supply Train receive free haircuts."][/caption]

The Supply Trian is put together by the Junior League of Longview, First Baptist Church Longview and Buckner International.

“It is a blessing to be able to give to those who need help,” said Michelle Heflin, community programs supervisor. “And this year, maybe because of the economy, we were able to help out more people than ever before.”

Crista Black, with the Longview Junior League said this is the 16th year that the Junior League does the supply train and that they’ve been partnering with Buckner and FBC Longview for several years now.

Black said that thanks to a donation from a law firm, the league distributed 3,200 backpacks and basic school supplies.

“It is important to give every child good self esteem and by providing them with backpacks with new supplies, they are able to start the school year feeling well prepared,” Black said.

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