“There is no way to just stand by”… Harmony FWB will provide school supplies in an alternative method
Published 1:21 pm Thursday, July 9, 2020
Star Photo/Ivan Sanders Although the 12th annual Back-to-School Bash hosted by Harmony Freewill Baptist Church in Hampton will not have the same activities in years past, the church will move forward to hosting an alternative-style delivery method for this year's backpack hand out.
File Photo/Ivan Sanders Pastor Brandon Young said that even though this year's Back-to-School Bash at Harmony Freewill Baptist Church will look different, there was no way that the church could just stand by without helping those that might not have the financial ability to provide school supplies to their children.
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Students from Elizabethton City Schools or from a neighboring county can drive thru at Harmony Free Will Baptist Church located at 3405 Gap Creek Road in Hampton on the same day and time to receive their backpack and supplies.
The organizers do ask that no one exit the car at any of the locations.
“We know this year’s event is not quite the same as our normal elaborate bash with games, activities, food, and loads of fun, but we do promise a few fun surprises at all the giveaway sites, so the kids may be amazed as to whom they may encounter,” said Posada.
“We want families to know that we care about them greatly and love them dearly, and hopefully this event will provide a bit of help in a time when so many are struggling,” continued Young.
To date, the church has been able to raise $6,788 to pay toward the 1,000 backpacks which have been ordered. The total cost of the backpacks will be $11,528 leaving the church currently just shy $5,000 of being able to pay for the students to have supplies.
That is where the community can come alongside the church by making donations to help cover the final amount needed to pay for the supplies.
“Thankfully, our wholesale company allows us to pay as we receive more donations because we would have difficulty paying it all up front,” said Posada.
The church was hoping to include child-sized, washable facemask in the supplies this year but upon checking on the price, the masks were $3.00 each which would equate to another $3,000 needed.
It was decided that it would be better to leave the masks out rather than remove some of the school supplies from each backpack according to Young.
In past events, it took an army of volunteers to make the event a success but with the current state with an uptick in positive Coronavirus cases, volunteers will be limited.
Posada wanted to make sure that everyone understood that even though they might not be able to physically assist in this year’s event, the monetary donations would go a long way in making sure that the smiles on the children’s faces when receiving their backpack would be well worth the investment.
Donations to the ministry can be made by contacting Harmony Freewill Baptist ministry assistant Khristina Cardwell at 423-297-4504 or simply stop by the church office Monday through Friday from 9 am to 5 pm.
