The 2018/2019 school year is drawing to a close which means the scent of sunscreen will be wafting throughout the neighborhoods and pools – and it also means the Ready-For-School outreach crew is gearing up to support our neighbors in need for the 2019/2020 school season!

 

The Ready-For-School Program began 19 years ago and has provided over 7,000 fully stocked backpacks for marginalized students in our surrounding school districts. The requests from schools are being received, and the numbers indicate nearly 400 backpacks with supplies will be our goal. As many of you may have noticed, the price of backpacks and school supplies continue to increase. However, due to generous and cooperative local businesses, we can purchase specific key items at a bulk discount which is extremely helpful in stretching our limited funds. The average cost of an assembled backpack is approximately $45 – and when considering the goal of 400 backpacks, the financial need is significant. The Grace family is the driving force behind the success of this much-needed program, and we are counting on you to participate in this outreach that shares God’s love with so many families.

 

How can you help? There is a collection bin located in the lobby area of the Sanctuary where supplies and financial donations can be deposited. Please consider picking up some of the needed supplies and backpacks when shopping or make a financial contribution payable to “Ready-For-School.” If you are a business owner or connected to a business, consider becoming a sponsor by collecting items, providing gift cards or a financial donation. We will also need persons to assist in sorting, assembly, and distribution of the backpacks. Additional information is available at the Ready-For-School table in the main lobby.

 

Ready-For-School is an outreach that is part of our Grace identity in the community, and we pray you will find it in your heart to be an active participant in making the program possible again this year. Each year God touches the hearts of our Grace family and the community to give generously of their time, talent and treasure to make His love real in our community…and His love can be felt in the simple act of providing a backpack with a note of encouragement.

 

Please join us in sharing His love. If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Houck at tammyhouck@gracehummelstown.org or (717) 566-2897.