Dear Editor:

Another year, with four months of planning, marketing, shopping, encouraging volunteerism for a one of a kind back to school event for the students and families of the Boothbay region, has ended.

Boothbay Region Community Resource Council’s Set For Success has now completed its sixth year of gifting elementary students with new backpacks and every single teacher requested school supply, along with more than words can describe.

In front of the Boothbay Region YMCA, the lines for the Aug. 20 event began at 11:30 a.m. It was a warm day for many who chose to wait for over 1 ½ hours for the 1 p.m. opening. As I peered out the door to be sure all was OK with our patient families, there appeared an angel. It was Nancy Stoddard from The Ice Cream Hut/Dolphin Mini Golf. The trunk of her car filled with cold beverages which she was handing out to keep children and parents from becoming dehydrated while waiting … I lost my words for a few seconds and wanted to cry buckets of joy.

This is just one of hundreds of caring stories of the people who walk with me from day one of event planning — to the amazing humans of the Boothbay region like our churches, YMCA, Hannaford, Big Al — who come along beside us in the name of care and support for our children’s education. There is not enough white space to list every single participant … you all know who you are including several high school students, family and senior citizens who worked tirelessly for two days to help move tables and lift heavy boxes. Thank you to the volunteers who sweat buckets separating thousands of school supplies for the shopping centers. To every event booth participant who came offering personal gift bags, Bibles, health screenings, food, bounce house, DJ Calvin, clothing boutique, educational opportunities about the sea, science, stone and botanical gardens, library, Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, family support, American Legion, free swim in the Y pool, educational grants, food pantry and our beautiful hair salons … Where in the world do you find such a loyal, caring community?

Sue Burge

BRCRC