St. Mary’s Community Church joined the league of organizations offering support to students heading into a new school year, providing the adequate supplies needed.
The church held its event on Aug. 6 at the building adjacent to its own, and it was well attended.
“The turnout was extremely well, and the good thing is that you had every race and creed that came out,” said Pastor Timothy Knighten of St. Mary’s Community Church.
The church has been collaborating with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority (AKA) organization for several years to make the back-to-school event a success.
They distributed bookbags with school supplies, catered to high school, middle school and elementary school students. Clothing was available for kids as well, and perishable foods were handy for families.
It’s become an annual charitable effort that has been helpful to families, especially those who may be disadvantaged
“(These are) very hard times right now,” Knighten said. “Sometimes you can’t look at a person and tell what they’re actually going through. We just have to offer service to our community just to be a helping hand.”
The church offers assistance throughout the year by giving out food from its pantry and clothing. Members will also prepare full-course meals and deliver them to those who are homeless and homebound as well as distribute special baskets during the holidays.
During the back-to-school events, students should walk away with a smile and feel confident about starting a new semester.
“I think that it gives them a sense of pride and I’m hoping that this is something that they will remember, and as they grow up and mature, that they will continue the trend and continue to help others,” he said.