Marianna Outdoor Toys Gives Back to Education

By: Shelia Mader

With a new school year just around the corner, the owners and staff of Marianna Outdoor Toys wanted to show their appreciation to the community that has supported them since opening their doors. Their back-to-school giveaway was a welcome boost for local families, and even before the scheduled start time, the parking lot was filled with parents and children eager to receive supplies.

Tables were stocked high with everything from backpacks and notebooks to pencils, crayons, scissors, nearly every item a student could need for the year ahead.

One parent, juggling the needs of four children, an elementary student, a middle schooler, and two in high school, shared how much the event meant to her. “With the schools doing away with the dress code, buying clothes has gotten more expensive,” she explained. “My high schooler handed down his polos to my middle schooler, but they don’t like the same styles now that uniforms aren’t required. These school supplies will help me out a lot.”

The children were just as excited. One young boy proudly showed his grandmother his new backpack and supplies. “Look at these crayons, they don’t break because they’re bigger for littler hands,” he said with a grin. Then, pulling one out, he added, “This one even matches my backpack!”

It’s those moments of joy and relief that inspired the Marianna Outdoor Toys team to give back, helping Jackson County students start the school year with the tools they need to succeed.