Church heeds call to collect school supplies

Pencil, paper, facial tissue, markers, colored pencils, a ruler, folders, glue, scissors and resealable bags -- it's a good start to a supplies list for school this fall.

But when those items mean a $10-$20 bill for a family that never knows if they will even be able to pay their electric bill and rent plus put food on the table, that sum might as well be $100-$200.

Highway 54 Church of Christ has heeded the call to collect school supplies for the Samaritan Center in Jefferson City, which will begin distributing to kindergarten through high school clients Aug. 1.

A Back-to-School Bash will be held Saturday on the church's three acres at 4217 Greenbriar Dr. from 1-5 p.m.

"The event is fun to do and provides a safe place for families to be together," said organizer Misty Mathews.

Admission is school supplies in any amount. Then, families may enjoy an afternoon of games, carnival-like challenges, food, giveaways and entertainment.

"We want the community to know that our church cares," Mathews said.

Members of the church volunteer at the interfaith agency and suggested they never have had enough school supplies.

Volunteer executive director Marylyn DeFeo agreed every year the center run out of items to distribute before the need does.

DeFeo is hopeful the church's event grows, as have other events collecting for other programs at the center.

"We would like to see the Samaritan Center (eventually) get the majority of what they need through this event," Mathews said.

The entire church congregation of about 75 has been involved in this summertime ministry.

"As a church, the belief we have is to take every opportunity we have to do good to all people," Mathews said.

Even the youth will host booths and activities Saturday. But they also have seen where their efforts will benefit.

During a recent church camp, the youth volunteered in the pantry of the Samaritan Center.

"They experienced putting their faith into action," Mathews said. "Even if it was just taking groceries to a car."

Jesus' examples were to meet people's physical needs first, she said.

The children's camp theme was "No Opportunity Wasted."

"If we teach that to our children, the adults should do it too," Mathews said.

"This could be a nice spark for other churches," DeFeo said.

If individual churches would simply set out a collection basket for the school supplies and announce it to their members, they might be surprised at how much could be collected, she said.

About $10 would pay for one child, DeFeo estimated.

Other community businesses and organizations also collect school supplies through creative efforts.

And the center always receives a generous response when a need is posted on its marquee, DeFeo said.

"It's a matter of getting the information out there," DeFeo said.

And "people tend to want to help children."

For more information, call (573) 635-2351.

mreagan@newstribune.com

New Bloomfield resident Kristine Winn helps 3-year-old Mandy Mathews, Jefferson City, blow bubbles during Highway 54 Church of Christ's Back-to-School Bash last year. The event helps collect school supplies for the Samaritan Center. (Submitted photo)