August Need of the Month: School Supplies

Backpacks and crayons, magic markers and calculators…our yellow “Need-of-the-Month” barrels have already been emptied once. School supplies have been taken to the Family Resource Center for its Back to School Drive for needy children.

The collection continues through August. The list of needed items includes many of the obvious supplies; crayons and ball point pens, rulers and spiral notebooks. But (surprisingly) socks, underwear, and tooth brushes are also in short supply for low income families.

Cash donations (checks to Gethsemane with “Back-to-School” on the memo line) are also appreciated. These gifts are helpful when staff members shop for items in short supply.

Actually, this year’s Gethsemane collection has a dual purpose. Some of the items will also be added to the school bags that Dorcas Circle fills for children overseas. The overseas mission list includes blunt scissors, pencil sharpeners, No. 2 pencils, 24 crayon boxes, construction paper, and rulers.

During 2007-2008, the Resource Center served more than 800 children, and the need for assistance is growing. Having the basic equipment for learning is important to the success of all students. Children from disadvantaged families need to feel ready from school day one.

Items for both the Hopkins area and for overseas can be placed in the barrels through August.

Keep ‘em coming!