Getting students prepared for the first day of school is hard – and expensive.
To help with those costs, the Escambia Baptist Association of Churches’ County Schools Ministry is holding its second “Supplying Students for Success” event.
“A new school year is costly for families today,” said Wanda Webb, education director for Students for Success. “One report said the average cost to send a child back to school with the list of supplies most schools needed is over $80. When you add uniforms, clothes, schools and other items, it brings the bill up to $200 per child.
“That’s a big stretch on many families’ budget, and with some, may it be an impossible task. That’s where we come in.”
Last year, the group distributed 600 school supply filled backpacks to elementary and middle school students throughout Escambia County.
“This year, our goal is 1,000,” Webb said. “’Supplying Students for Success’ will help ensure that no child has to go without the items needed for a good education. This is a ministry in which our churches can come together to reach people at the point of their need.
“This service allows us to connect with people and build relationships,” she said. “Pray for them and get to know them while forming a bond in which we may reach out with the Gospel of Christ.”
Any child from any elementary school in the county, as well as those at Brewton Middle School, are eligible for a backpack voucher. Vouchers will be distributed on July 17, 19 and 28 from 10 a.m. until noon at East Brewton Baptist Church, Brewton First Baptist, Liberty Baptist Church, Zion Hill Baptist Church, Brooks Memorial Baptist Church and Little Escambia Baptist Church.
A “pack the bus” event will be held on Sat., July 12, from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. where volunteers will be accepting donations of school supplies.
The backpacks will be distributed on Sat., Aug. 9, from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m., at FBC Brewton, FBC East Brewton, Brooks Memorial Baptist and FBC Flomaton.
One must have a voucher to receive a backpack.
For more information or to make a donation, contact Webb at 251.727.0581.