What began as a plan to serve 150 students turned into a county-wide demonstration of generosity and support. The Ray County Coalition recently hosted its first Back-to-School Supplies Fair at the Richmond City Gym. By the end of the day, the coalition and its partners had provided school supplies, resources and sack lunches to approximately 325 students. “I was overwhelmed by the community support for Ray County families,” said Ray County Coalition President Karen Schachtele. “The community partners and volunteers who came out to help their neighbors were overwhelming. We exceeded our expectations in assisting families.” Coalition organizers had spent weeks planning the fair, collecting donations, coordinating logistics and working with dozens of local partners. The goal was to ease the financial burden many families face at the start of the school year. “We assisted approximately 325 students,” said Schachtele. “The number of attendees we anticipated far exceeded our…