Kids received more than school supplies at church giveaway
By Kyle Valentini
August 6, 2012
472
Its been said the early bird catches the worm, and in the case of visitors to the 10th annual School Supply Giveaway at Dover Foursquare Church on Saturday, August 4, everyone walked away with the supplies they needed for the upcoming 2012-2013 school year, which begins for most districts at the end of the month.
While some arrived as early as 4:30 in the morning to be near the front of a line that, at one point in the morning, extended down Slingluff Ave. and around the corner to Cross St., most waited patiently and used the time wisely to socialize with friends. The congregations own Good News Bear was larger than life and kept everyone entertained, as did a Nutty Professor who used science experiments as a way to help pass the time.
Valerie Ritenour, of Dover, and her three children, two of which are school-age, arrived at 7:30 a.m. We didnt mind the wait at all. We were number 27 in line. We feel fortunate we have this as an option.
Headed by Phyllis Sweitzer of the Womens Ministry, the school supply giveaway is the churchs way of giving back to the community by helping families in need. About 25 church volunteers helped in sorting, organizing, purchasing and preparing for the annual event that allows families with school-age children to get everything from backpacks, binders, crayons, glue, rulers and notebook paper to clothing and accessories to ready themselves for a new school year.
Tables piled high with supplies would be nearly empty by the end of the event that hoped to provide 300 children with whatever they needed to start the school year off right.
Congregation member Jessica Maurer, of Dover, was volunteering at the event for the first time. Everything is going great, said Maurer. We have much to give and it feels good helping others.
It does feel good, said fifth-year volunteer Betty Younce. We are, after all, a ministry for God. Look around at all these wonderful people. There are so many nice things for them to choose from.
In addition to school supplies, visitors were treated to free popcorn, the best around according to Pastor Joyce Wing. Ive been volunteering at this event each year for 10 years, as long as we have done it. We want to do more than just give things away. We want everyone to know how much Jesus loves them, said Wing.
Kids enjoyed face painting, balloons, games and each child was presented with a salvation bracelet to remind them of Gods love. Information about the churchs various ministries was available with high-spirited ministry leaders and congregation members on hand to share and answer any questions.
Dover Foursquare Church is located at 302 Slingluff Ave. at Dover. For more information about the church, call 330-343-6142.
