Jeremy Meekins remembers hard times growing up in Vicksburg.

As a young boy, he recalled watching his grandmother struggle to make ends meet.

“I grew up on Ethel Street in Marcus Bottom,” he said. “It was a rough time for me growing up in the community.”

Now, as a resident of Atlanta, Meekins has not forgotten those in his hometown who may also be experiencing hard times. For that reason, he is again organizing his annual Back To School Drive. The 4th annual drive, scheduled for Friday, Aug. 2, will be held at Rodney’s Store, 1318 South St.

“I have been doing my back-to-school drive for four years,” Meekins said, adding last year the event gave out more than 400 book bags to Vicksburg area students.

The free back-to-school-drive, is geared for students entering kindergarten through twelfth grade.

The event will also include games, face painting and guest speakers.

Meekins said speakers will include Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace, whose speech will focus on youth crime, and Vicksburg Police Deputy Chief Eric Paymon, who will talk about youth mentoring. Emmarie Flaggs will be discussing health issues.

For those who would like to make donations to the back-to-school drive, Meekins said items can be dropped off at Kiddie City Day Care, 1783 Martin Luther King Jr. Dr.

In addition to aiding school children with school supplies, Meekins said, he hopes the event will instill school spirit and encouragement to those who attend.

“I hope the kids will be able to start school off with a bang,” he said. 

Sponsors for the 4th annual back-to-school-drive include: McDonald’s, Walmart, Simply Dop3 Xperience, River City DJs, Chick-fil-A, Those Who Cater, Nubian Kruzers United, StemPossible Inc., Secure One LLC, Sno Biz, #WetheParty, Sullivan’s, Corner Market, AT&T, Thomas and Thomas  Security, Vicksburg Homecoming Benevolent Club, City of Vicksburg, Love Realty of Mississippi LLC and Kiddie City Day Care.

For more information or to donate, call 601-559-2222 or email simplydop3.info@gmail.com.