In the summer of 2009, St. Paul’s collected and assembled one hundred backpacks full of school supplies to benefit students in need at Portage Path Elementary School, right here in our own neighborhood. The funds for providing school supplies and uniforms are often out of reach for poor families, even as they realize the importance of education in helping their children out of poverty. 

Our goal for summer 2010 is to be able to provide each of the 200+ students at the school with a stocked backpack with which to start the school year. We are particularly excited this year, since the children of St. Paul's can also participate in this important missions project. First, children can help pick out supplies and backpacks to give. Second, they can help put together the backpacks for donation.

We will be collecting new or gently used backpacks, 24-count crayons, glue sticks, #2 pencils, erasers, washable markers, plastic school boxes, colored pencils, children's scissors, rulers, blue or black ballpoint pens, pocket folders, and notebook paper. Backpacks and supplies can be left at any time through August 9th in the labeled boxes at the Missions kiosk. Volunteers are needed (families very welcome!) for collating supplies into backpacks after services in mid-August (date TBA), and for transporting full backpacks the following week. For those who don't have time to shop, monetary donations are also needed and welcome to purchase any supplies we may be lacking. For further information, contact Maura O'Shea.