Wilkens Ave. Children’s Backpacks
“No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted.”
-Aesop
The 8am Service and the United Methodist Women help children on Wilkens Ave. begin the school year.
Two weeks ago I received a phone call from Patty Lee who runs Angels of Addiction, a partner ministry on Wilkens Ave. Patty shared with me that there were 21 children living near Wilkens Ave. that she knew and loved who had no school supplies for the year. When the children were asked what they needed to start school the majority of them responded with “socks and underwear.”
I immediately knew that the people of SPUMC would ensure each child would have what they needed to start school. On a Sunday morning we put the call out to the 8am Early service, asking anyone who was interested to sponsor a child. The response was overwhelming and nearly every child was sponsored before our next worship service began. The UMW stepped up to the plate and donated another 14 backpacks for other children who showed up at the school supplies drive.
This Wednesday evening I had the privilege of joining Cathie Wildes, an SPUMC member and the program manager at Living Well on Wilkens, as we handed out the backpacks, full of school supplies and new clothes, to each of the 21 kids. It was a special honor for me to greet each child and give them their backpack on behalf of SPUMC. Many of them squealed as they held their backpacks for the first time, all of them smiled wide and many hopped away shouting “thank you!” Throughout the evening each of our 21 children received a backpacked packed specifically for them and we were able to serve another 30 children who were waiting patiently for the opportunity to receive school supplies.
I am extremely grateful to serve a congregation that always responds to the needs that God puts before us. I had no hesitation in committing our church to caring for these 21 children because I know of your generosity and kindness. Thank you for being willing to always answer the call as we walk together on this journey of faith.
Grace and Peace,
Rev. Nicole