It seems to happen earlier and earlier each year, school starts August 4th. Yesterday several volunteers came together to help sort and pack backpacks to deliver to local refugee children. With new families coming in and families moving around it’s hard to get an accurate count of how many backpacks we need each year and it’s especially hard to know just how many girls, boys, teens or kindergartners we will have. We can take an estimate based on the current attending students from our adult American Life and Language class which we did. My estimate was initially about 75-80
Backpacks needed. Yesterday, the day we planned to deliver the backpacks, we were initially short by about thirty to reach my goal of 75. Before it was time to sort, I went to the store to find additional backpacks and supplies. I was thankful for the financial donations I received from my own sister from NC, from church family members a few other supporters in our community. I was able to purchase the thirty additional backpacks and supplies we needed.

I arrived back to The Church at Schilling Farms, where they had allowed us space in their lobby to sort and pack the backpacks and added those I purchased. About the time I arrived, the Mops group from Collierville United Methodist, the Women’s Ministry and some Members from Collierville Bible, and a volunteer from Central Church in Collierville came by with loads of school supplies and many more backpacks. It was so wonderful to see the body of Christ come together to help others. Our backpack count was now over 100. I then thought we may have more supplies and backpacks than we really needed.

As usual, however, God knew exactly how many backpacks we needed. When we delivered the backpacks there were a few newer families than I had expected. In the end, we have about 5-6 backpacks left (which still need a little more supplies in them). And I have already received one phone call from a mother who lives outside the group of apartments most refugee families live in that needs four of them. While we have handed out pretty much all of the backpacks we have, there are typically a few refugee students that will call through the first weeks of school or new families that will be in need. So, if you are still considering a donation, please do not hesitate to drop it off at 1035 Winchester, Collierville, TN at The Church at Schilling Farms.

We were able to tell several children Jesus loves them. While it was difficult in group settings, we pressed in to acknowledge to them that it was Jesus who helps us help them. The children were grateful to receive their school supplies. It seemed to grow their excitement for the upcoming school year. Their mothers and fathers were very thankful and want to tell you, Thank You!