By Dawn Baxter, office administrator, West Berks Mission District

The congregations of the West Berks Mission District are again working together to provide needed school supplies to children in the Reading School District and other children in need. Many families do not have the “luxury” of purchasing the items necessary for their children to succeed in school.

Last year we were able to distribute 324 book bags to four middle schools and eight elementary schools.

The word of this special ministry has spread and this year we expect to have more than 500 bags! More than half of our congregations have participated by collecting school supplies, as did nurses from the Reading Hospital’s Pediatric Unit; and CVS Pharmacy has made a very generous donation of supplies to this special ministry. Some individuals and congregations have given monetary donations that allow us to purchase items that run low.

The first day of school can be stressful for all children, but it is especially so for those who do not have the supplies they are expected to bring. The West Berks Mission District’s Operation Book Bag is greatly appreciated by both the children and the teachers. The smiles received from the staff, who can now better help their students achieve, and the children, who receive a new backpack and school supplies of their own, are all the reward we need!

PHOTOS: Children pictured are Katherine and Daniel Graf.