Jemison First Baptist Church is helping the community with back-to-school expenses by providing a backpack giveaway on Aug. 1.

On Saturday at 9 a.m., church members will be giving away 100 free backpacks filled with school supplies to the first 100 students, Pre-K through sixth grade, as well as serving pancakes and holding a short dedication sermon in the church’s fellowship hall.

Upon entering the church, located at 24348 U.S. Highway 31 in Jemison, attendees will receive a ticket to ensure they are one of the 100 recipients of the backpacks.

A pancake breakfast will be offered and Bro. Rex Kent will have a short devotion. After the devotion, those in attendance will hand over their ticket in exchange for the backpack.

Youth minister Jared Hood said the idea came from members of the Impact youth ministry at Jemison First Baptist. From there, it evolved to a church project, and members of the church pitched in to raise money for the backpacks and supplies.

“All of our Sunday school classes would bring in supplies,” Hood said. “We’ve had several donations from people in the community, and we’ve raised a lot of money at the church, too.”

Some of the supplies in the backpacks include pencils, erasers, notebooks, crayons and more.

Hood said there are many gender-neutral backpacks, while some are more “guy-friendly” or “girl-friendly.”

“We tried to include things that kids of all ages could use,” Hood said. “We really just wanted to do something for the community.”

On Saturday morning, volunteers from the church will cook breakfast and gather in the church’s fellowship hall to assist anyone who stops by.

“With school starting back, there are a lot of families in Chilton County who may not be able to afford the supplies,” Hood said. “If this is something we can help with to take the burden off of people’s plates, then we’re glad to do it.

“This is what we’re called to do as Christians. We want to help the community as much as we can.”

Everyone is invited to attend the pancake breakfast and devotion, which will begin at 9 a.m.

Any student grades Pre-K through sixth grade may receive a backpack, regardless of what school he or she may attend.

The 100 backpacks, prepared by the church with supplies, will be given away on a first-come, first-served basis.

For more information, contact Jemison First Baptist Church at 205-688-4446.