Serena L. Staggers with Kevin McBride, Ryon Gilbert, B. Timbers, Jasper Joseph, Kevin Lawrence, Daryl Ford of the Richland County Sheriffs Department, and Sherry J. Williams of the Richland County Public Library. Eighteen years ago, Serena L. Staggers, sociology professor at Benedict College started an outreach program for young children during the back–to–school season. She created a program that included members of the community, law enforcement, foster homes, and business leaders. She titled the program, “Follow Your Dreams.”

Every year prior to the event, Ms. Staggers collects school supplies for the children who will participate. She said that through the years she and her volunteers have provided school supplies for over 2000 children.

The event is held at the Martin Luther King Park Conference Center on Green Street. This year’s program included a presentation by members of law enforcement, finger printing, fire safety and prevention instruction, and inspirational speakers such as Dr. Alma W. Byrd and Florence Johnston Mitchell.

At the end of the program, each child received a bag of school supplies. The group is thankful to the Columbia community for their donations and participation in this event.