By Lorelei Goff / The Greeneville Sun

GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (Sept. 27, 2017) -- Students from Greeneville Middle School spent time over the last two weeks raising money and gathering donated school supplies to send more than 200 backpacks to students affected by hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

“This is an opportunity for our students to be a part of something bigger than themselves, to really make a contribution to students in need in other places and just kind of think outside themselves, which sometimes in our society is not being practiced a whole lot,” said Principal Jack Evans. “It’s a great opportunity for our kids.”

Teacher Jana Wills coordinated the effort through a partnership with United Methodist Committee On Relief (UMCOR), which will get the backpacks to students in Texas or Florida.

The bags will be sent to Asbury United Methodist Church, which will check each one to make sure they all contain acceptable supplies. Louisiana-based UMCOR will then deliver the bags where they are needed.