Kids got more than school supplies at church giveaway

  • By Kyle Valentini
  • August 4, 2012
  • 309
                        
Summary: Dover Foursquare Church’s 10th Annual School Supply Giveaway was a resounding success. Kids got the supplies they needed for the upcoming school year and were reminded of God’s love for them through fellowship and outreach from members of the local congregation. It’s been said the early bird catches the worm and in the case of visitors to the Dover Foursquare Church 10th Annual School Supply Giveaway on Sat. Aug. 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 the line that extended down Slingluff Ave. and around the corner to Cross St. at one point in the morning, most waited patiently and used the time wisely to socialize with friends. The congregation’s 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-aged arrived at 7:30a.m. “We didn’t mind the wait at all. We were number 27 in line. We feel fortunate we have this as an option.” Headed up by Phyllis Sweitzer of the Women’s Ministry, the School Supply Giveaway is the church’s 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 5th 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. “I’ve been volunteering at this event each year for ten 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 God’s love. Information about the church’s 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.


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