Area churches, groups collecting school supplies
POTTSTOWN >> As the summer nights shorten and school looms larger on student calendars, the question of school supplies becomes unavoidable.
For many in the larger Pottstown community, it’s not the shopping for an everelusive notebook or the right highlight color that poses a problem, so much as what happens when they get to the check out.
Many depend on donated supplies and often enough, area teachers buy some of those supplies for their students out of their own pocket.
To help out, and to lessen that unfair financial burden, several Pottstown churches and organizations are collecting schools supplies to provide to students and teachers to ensure as many children as possible start on a level playing field, at least when it comes to pencils, pens, notebooks, erasers and other items necessary for the well-stocked desk.
And there’s even a block party scheduled as an incentive for one drive.
Bethel Community Church of Pottstown
But first, here is the effort underway by Bethel Community Church of Pottstown, which is working through a national website called RightGift.com for its Help
Kids Succeed School Supply
Drive.
For the next 12 days, those so included can go to https:// rightgift.com/nonprofits/ bethel-community-church-of-pottstown/wish-lists/ bd7794c6-f138-47eb-94be711046f627e8 where a list of specific items needed can be found and purchased for distribution.
“BCCP Mission’s Ministry is soliciting “School Supplies and Backpacks” for kids in the Pottstown, Pottsgrove and surrounding school districts. Please help by donating school supplies and backpacks for boys and girls of all ages,” the site notes.
Higher Ground Church
Higher Ground Church is hosting a free book bag, school supply and sneaker giveaway. The event will take place on Aug. 18, starting at noon. The church is located at 1126 South St. Pottstown. Lunch is also being served. An additional location is also hosting the giveaway at 9 and 10:30 a.m. at 7860 Eva St., Philadelphia. Individuals can RSVP at HGIM.org.
Habitat and PCA
Since July 15 through Aug. 15, Habitat for Humanity of Montgomery County and Pottstown Community Action have teamed up for a school supply drive.
Donations can of crayons, pencils, pencil cases, tissues, glue sticks, erasers and more can be made at Grumpy’s Hand Carved Sandwiches, 157 E. High St. in Pottstown.
Those supplies will be redistributed to area teachers.
Drive and Block Party
Habitat and PCA are also participating in a wider school supply effort that also includes Hobart’s Run, Heart of God Family Worship Center, Community First, New Eden Fellowship Church and Sisters Helping Sisters.
It will culminate in a block party, Saturday, Aug. 24, from 4-8 p.m., on the field along Beech Street between Green and Edgewood.
Participants will enjoy free hot dogs as well as food vendors, children’s activities including a bouncy house and face-painting, games, and music and a dance team performance.
While bringing families from our town together, this event also will culminate a drive to collect classroom supplies for teachers in the Pottstown District’s elementary schools. Planners also plan to present knapsacks of nonperishable healthy snacks to local children.