November, 2009

Mt. Carmel Church of God Packs the Bus with Back-to-School Supplies

Each year the cost of sending children back to school increases a little more than the year before. For some, purchasing even the very basics is difficult. For others, it is almost impossible. There are programs in many communities to assist those in need. Last month’s Multiplication Moments highlighted Grace Point Church in Odessa, Texas, and what they did in their community to help prepare children to go back to school. The Mount Carmel Church of God, in Mt. Carmel, Illinois, is another congregation that connected with its community as children went back to school.

Earlier this year, while discussing the details of vacation Bible school, several individuals started brainstorming about ways that the church could better connect with the community. Two people at the table were teachers and knew firsthand the financial difficulties in which many found themselves. “Being teachers we were definitely aware of a need in our community. Our school is a Title 1 funded school. At least 50 percent of our students are on free or reduced lunch. There is a big need in our community,” shared Trisha Mobley. One specific idea began to take shape. And after it was presented to the pastor, Trisha and Amanda Metcalf, another teacher, put the “Pack The Bus” plan into action. A tent bus was placed in the lobby of the church and the congregation was encouraged to pack the bus with supplies. Not only did local businesses donate supplies, but one offered a 10 percent discount on the entire order of things the church purchased from them. In addition, the church donated $600 and provided numerous items for a yard sale that raised $700. Trisha and Amanda printed and distributed flyers, and wrote an article for the local newspaper.

Thanks to their efforts, the “Pack the Bus” event enabled fifty-two students in kindergarten through second grade to receive backpacks filled with much-needed school supplies. “People are still calling the church,” shares Trisha. “People have been very thankful. Their comments have been very positive. They want to know if we are doing this next year, and if they can tell their friends. Our goal was to help around fifty kids, and we have already exceeded that. We ended up with money and supplies to have eighty-four backpacks ready to give out.”

As with any endeavor, there is always a learning curve. Plans are already underway for next year’s event, and changes are being made here and there to help the project reach even more children. The hope is that the event will help students in pre-K through fifth grade, and organizers plan to hold fundraisers and apply for grants to help underwrite the cost of the supplies.

Susan Kane