B.A.M. to distribute backpacks to White County students July 27

In 2012, Union Baptist Association initiated the Backpack Assistance Ministry (B.A.M.) Program, a venture born out of necessity after grant funding for local school districts was discontinued.

The program’s primary objective was to extend a helping hand to families in the community by distributing over 1,000 backpacks brimming with essential school supplies, Bibles, copies of the United States Constitution, and more. The torchbearer for this meaningful initiative was none other than Carleen Benson, who took on the role of B.A.M. coordinator for a decade before passing on the responsibilities to the YMCA, in 2022.

 Reflecting on this transition, Kyle Goff, CEO of the YMCA, expressed his initial surprise at the depth of impact Benson had made, stating, “When we recruited Carleen as a director at the Y, we were aware of her work with B.A.M. and that influenced our decision to pursue her, but we never envisioned this partnership.”

 Benson shared her perspective on the evolution of the program, emphasizing the importance of visionary leadership, stating, “I needed a group of young servant leaders who could be visionaries for this program and carry it forward. The Y has carried the torch and made the event bigger and better every year.”

 Gin Skinner, YMCA Program Director, highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative, crediting the support from Benson and Union Baptist Association for laying the foundation of success.

Skinner remarked, “The support from Carleen and the Union Baptist Association in the initial process was truly a blessing. After years of successful events, we had a proven model. We have worked to ensure all area churches work together in unity as servants of Christ.”

 The upcoming B.A.M. event scheduled for 9 a.m., July 27, at the White County High School football field, promises to be a community affair filled with generosity and goodwill.

Reflecting on the event’s broader impact, Goff reiterated, “It really is a community event. The Y’s main objective is to glorify God and make Jesus known by serving the youth in our community at this event, just as it was the original mission of the program years ago.”

 To support this cause, donations are essential, as highlighted by Goff: “This event and all of our other community service initiatives do require funds and are not possible without philanthropy.”

Individuals interested in contributing can visit spartawhitecountyymca.org, make donations at One Bank, visit the YMCA Welcome Center, or send donations via mail.

 Benson emphasized the multifaceted support needed for the event, urging the community to come together: “It’s also more than backpacks. We hand out school supplies, Bibles, United States Constitutions, books, food boxes, hygiene care bags, snow cones, and a whole lot of love. We need donations, and we need volunteers.”

 In a call to action, Goff invited all community members to participate and witness the profound impact of the event, stating, “If you have not witnessed this event, you are missing out on one of God’s intersections.”

 For those unable to attend the event, on Saturday, a designated pickup day has been scheduled at 9 a.m., July 29, at the YMCA. To arrange for pickup, individuals are encouraged to call the Y at (931) 836-3330 and have their names added to the pickup list.