It's Almost Time For Back Packs to Schools by Don Blascak

This is a story of promise, vision and fulfillment. Pam and Greg Ayers have come a long way from the single group home for children they established not too many years ago. They now have 10 homes up and running. The most recent addition is a home for pregnant teens. The Ayers want to continue to give back to the community. Two years ago a project called "Back Packs to Schools" was effectively launched in Lulu Walker Elementary, a Title I school in the Amphi school district.

This past fall, the event was conducted in seven schools in the same school district. The window of opportunity is relatively short based on the registration schedule and the events were conducted in a one week period. A rather impressive feat in itself.

From the onset the vision cast was to add additional Title I schools each year. This year the events for this fall are still very much in the planning stages. The GAP, with other community partners and congregations, intends to expand into other school districts and bring the total number of schools to ten. And in a seven day period. The plan is to do three schools on the first Saturday of the registration period, and one on each week day culminating with two schools on the following Saturday.

Planning, commitment and walking in faith with a general sprinkling of prayer are the key. The event provides much more than just a back pack. Schools report an increase in PTO interest and additional members. In addition in some instances a lasting relationship has accrued as congregations adopt a school in a more lasting sense.

The "model" for each school event is much the same. The school supports the effort with staff and teachers who do the registration, custodial personnel to assist as needed and staff and PTO members to provide added support in games, good order, welcoming students and parents and volunteer coordination. The GAP and its community partners provide the Back Packs full of school supplies, Jumping Castles, games, popcorn, cotton candy, snow cones, hot dogs, soft drinks, water and chips. Each event is a mini-carnival. An initial estimate suggests that around 7,000 Back packs will be given out in the ten schools this return- to- school season. Each back pack with school supplies costs 10.00 dollars. If you factor in only the costs of the jumping castles the cost comes to 12.00 dollars per child. A great investment towards a successful school year.

You must agree that this is no small undertaking. It requires many volunteers and a diligent amount of planning and coordination. The Gap and all involved are in prayer that volunteers will come forward, that planning goes smoothly and most of all, that congregations will find blessings and grace by adopting a school. For more information, look to the Good News for details and schedules in the weeks ahead. In the mean time feel free to e-mail me at: dblascak@comcast.net