On the same day that two victims of the Grand 16 shootings were laid to rest, a demonstration of the strength, hope and generosity of Acadiana also was apparent.

Hundreds of teachers left the David Thibodaux STEM Magnet Academy with carloads of school supplies, all donated by local individuals and businesses. More than 600 educators will receive supplies or monetary donations through The Daily Advertiser’s Adopt-A-Teacher program. An event on Monday kicked off the supply distribution.

“That’s our community who stood up and said ‘Yes, we care,’” said Kristin Askelson, The Daily Advertiser’s news director.

Lisa Brown, a seventh grade English Language Arts teacher at J.H. Williams Middle School in Abbeville, said receiving her supplies was “a blessing.”

“It kind of restores my faith in the community,” Brown said, adding that the donations took on a little extra meaning after last week. “It kind of restores my faith in mankind … We are so often reminded of the evil and the hurt. I think the voices of the kind need to be a little louder, and this is a way for that to happen.”

Brown said she was proud to see so many people and businesses demonstrate their support of schools and teachers.

“By buying the school supplies, it shows that people do value education and the work that we do,” she said. “It may just be a ream of paper or a box of markers, but to a teacher and students, that can make all the difference. It’s a gift. It truly is.”

Kim Landry, a kindergarten teacher at Broadmoor Elementary, said receiving the supplies will take some of the burden off of her and other educators as they start the school year.

“It gives the community a chance to give back to others,” Landry said. “It does take a village to raise a child … It shows the spirit of Acadiana and the power of banding together.”