Cars lined up and drivers wiggled through the Liberty County High School parking lot Saturday morning, all to get loaded up — and loaded down — with school supplies.

Project Reach GANG’s 28th annual back-to-school drive brought in hundreds of parents and children to pick up school supplies — including the newly-mandated clear book bags — for free, with the start of the 2026–27 school year coming August 4.

“This is amazing,” school board Chair Verdell Jones said of the event, which has been spearheaded since its inception by current 1st District board member Lavonia LeCounte. “This community comes together to support children. I can’t tell Mrs. LeCounte thank you enough. It is truly a blessing to our community.”

Organizers had 71 stations set up alongside and near Donell Woods Stadium/ Kirk Warner Field. There was also food and water available for the hundreds of parents and children who made their way through the various booths.

School board members adopted the clear book bag policy for all students in September 2025, with the rules to go into effect for the coming school year. The board also put in place a clear bag policy at all athletic events.

One parent who picked up school supplies, including a clear book bag, supported the idea.

“I think it’s a good idea,” said Ebony Grant. “I think it’s going to help the kids stay safe. I like it.”

As part of the clear book bag policy, the school board also adopted having bags, such as purses or pencil cases, that are not clear to be no bigger than 6 inches by 9 inches. Mesh side pockets and mesh organizers inside the front pocket of book bags are allowed. Colored book bags that are transparent are not allowed.

Athletic and spirit bags and instrument cases that are not transparent are allowed but the student who has such a bag must store that bag or case securely as soon as they arrive on campus.

“Safety is a big issue for us,” Jones said. “We want to keep our children and our staff safe. We have done things in our system and in our building that we really can’t talk about. When you talk about safety initiatives and security, we have done that in Liberty County schools. This is one more way to keep our children safe.”