Ready for School Program

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Ready-for-School
 
Do you remember “Back to School” when you were a child?  It was exciting to have a new backpack filled with fresh pencils and a full pack of crayons without broken tips!  These memories were motivation for a community outreach program established by the family of Grace which is entitled “Ready-for-School”.  This program, now in its 21st year, is designed to benefit students in need from the surrounding school districts.

Last year, during a challenging pandemic, the program distributed over 800 backpacks filled with necessary supplies to fuel success during the ever-changing school year of virtual, hybrid, and in-person learning.  We now extend our reach to students in Kindergarten through 12th grade in Derry Township, Lower Dauphin, Middletown, and parts of Harrisburg.  Our program goal is to have just over 750 fully stocked backpacks available to the school districts in order for all students to begin the 2021-2022 school year with the tools needed for a productive year.  The program has provided over 8,500 backpacks to local youth since its inception.

Be sure to look for our “backpack” collection box and display in the lobby by the Mission Team board. The average cost of a filled backpack is $40 and, with requests for nearly 725 backpacks, the cost can be daunting.  Still, each year God touches the hearts of our members and community to give generously and make the program a success.  You can help in many ways:  pick up school supplies and/or backpacks when you are shopping; make a financial donation payable to “Ready-for-School”; sign-up to assist in sorting, packing, and/or distribution.  Your support will allow Grace to continue to touch the lives of the youth in our community.

If you have any questions, please contact Tammy Houck at tammyhouck@gracehummelstown.org or 717-566-2897.
 
WE ARE IN NEED OF THE FOLLOWING SUPPLIES THIS YEAR:
  • ELEMENTARY SCHOOL BACKPACKS
  • STURDY MIDDLESCHOOL BACKPACKS
  • PENCIL BOXES
  • ZIPPER PENCIL POUCHES
  • MECHANICAL PENCILS (7MM LEAD)
  • LEAD REFILLS (7MM)
  • CRAYONS (24 PACK)
  • COLOR PENCIL PACKS (8-16 CT)
  • BROAD MARKER PACKS (8 CT)
  • BLACK DRY ERASE MARKERS
  • INK PENS
  • POCKET FOLDERS WITH CLASPS
  • 1” BINDERS (BLUE)
  • EAR PHONES FOR LAPTOPS
  • POCKET TISSUES
 
 

 Racetrack Chaplaincy

The Racetrack Chaplaincy at Penn National Race Course in Grantville needs volunteers to help with clean-up on their Family Sports Nights over the summer. These events are Monday nights (weather permitting) and two volunteers are needed each week from 6:45 pm to 7:30pm, Memorial Day through Labor Day.
 
Volunteers are encouraged to arrive at 5:30 pm when the event starts and participate in the devotional, games, and meal. It is a family-friendly event, so all ages are welcome to join. This is a great opportunity to share God’s love with your neighbors through a simple act of service. You can sign-up online: Racetrack Clean Up Registration
 
Please contact Sherri Halcovich if you are interested or have any questions. Email: sherri.halcovich@comcast.net or call the office at (717) 566-2897.
 
 

Support Your Community During COVID-19

Grace continues to serve as a collection hub for the needs of our neighbors. Our collection bins for Love INC, Hummelstown Food Pantry and Ready-for-School are located inside the main church lobby.  The Community Aid collection bin is located outside the All Purpose Room entrance of Grace. Please consider supporting these outreach programs throughout the year.
Donate to the Hummelstown Food Pantry
Their current needs include: Chickpeas/Garbanzos; Brownies; Spam; Vienna Sausages; Ketchup and Mustard. Donations can be dropped off at Grace in the church lobby and will be delivered to the Food Pantry each Wednesday.
 
 
Donate to the Personal Care Closet at Love Inc. (Love In The Name of Christ)
Items they are currently in need of include: toilet paper, paper towels, feminine products (regular pads), household cleaners and disinfectants, dish detergent, baby wipes, and body wash. Items can be dropped in church lobby at Grace of you can drop off on Love INC’s front porch Monday-Thursday 8am-3pm at 245 East Derry Rd., Hershey.
 
Donate to Ready-for-School Outreach Program 
We have expended our reach into the community and will now be collecting school supplies and backpacks throughout the year to service over 700 neighbors.  Current needs include: Backpacks for K-12th grade students; Wooden Pencils; 24 ct packs of Crayons; Broad-line and Thin-line Markers; Color Pencils; Highlighters; Dry Erase Markers; Glue Sticks; 1″ Binders (black, green, blue); 2″ Binders (red); Pocket Folders with Clasps. Donations can be dropped off in the main church lobby at Grace.
 
 
Donate to CommunityAid
While changing your wardrobes from season to season – please consider donating unwanted items to the CommunityAid bin located in the parking area by the All-Purpose Room entrance. Grace received compensation for the items donated which provides support to our outreach programs! The following items may be placed in the outdoor bin: clothing, accessories, linens (no pillows or comforters); small toys and decorations. Please do not place large items or bags outside of the bin – CommunityAid will not accept these items! You may take small furniture items, medical equipment, exercise equipment or working electronics directly to a local CommunityAid for donation. Please see the detailed list of acceptable donations (CLICK HERE).