On August 14 and 15, thousands of children and their parents will line up outside the Recreation Outreach Center at First Baptist Church, waiting for the School Supply Train.  Junior League of Longview member and School Supply Train Chair Crista Black and her team will be there to greet them with supplies and services that will help prepare the children for the coming school year. 

     “The School Supply Train is a project which is invaluable to our city,” Mrs. Black said.  “Offering a child the resources needed to start school is imperative to their success and self-esteem the first day of class.”

     Eligibility for the program is based on need.  In addition to backpacks and school supplies, the children receive haircuts and eye examinations.

     “The verse, ‘To much is given, much is expected,’ has been my guiding principle as a servant to others.  I have been blessed to have this verse exemplified throughout my life by family and friends.  This has driven my desire to give back and has been a constant reinforcement of how to make your blessings in life count,” Mrs. Black said.

     Born in Carthage, Texas, Mrs. Black has lived in Longview for four years.  She graduated from Carthage High School, and received her bachelor’s degree in interdisciplinary studies and her master’s degree in curriculum and instruction, both from Texas A&M University.  Mrs. Black and her husband, Michael, have one daughter, Cameron, eight months.  They are members of First Baptist Church.

     “The citizens of Longview are generous in giving their time and resources to others!  Since moving here in 2005, I have always felt supported by this community as an educator and volunteer.  Therefore, the expectations seem to be met always, because of individuals rising to each occasion…no matter how big or small the task of need,” Mrs. Black said.