Seneca Back To School Supply Drive

Sometimes opportunity to help others comes at the last minute, and from unusual sources. Such was this opportunity in August of 2018. One team member lives in the community of Seneca. The church has been working hard at trying to be more of presence in the community. Growing the church from a few members a few years ago to the wonderful success that it is today. Many hard working people who are working hard to help others in their community. They were a very pivotal part of the success of our craft fair earlier in the year, and we were granted an opportunity to help repay them for what they did for us. And we were able to do this by supporting their back to school, school supply drive.

Our mission trip was cancelled, but since one team member had already planned to come back, she still came home to visit with family and friends. While she was home, we took advantage of the chance to have a "face to face" team meeting. It was during this meeting that she mentioned that the church was hosting a school supply drive. We were very interesting in donating to this very worthy cause. The start of school can be very trying for lots of families, especially when they have several children. Buying new clothes and shoes is one thing. Having to purchase paper, colors, glue, notebooks, and all the other supplies that are necessary can push many budgets to their limits. What a wonderful way to help! To help others in need, to help ease the burden for some families. And to help repay a gift that was given to our team. We were on board!

If there is anything we as a team enjoy, it is hanging out together. We are family, we are friends, and we are a team with one goal. To help. And if we can help and have fun at the same time, even better. So it was to the store that we went, list in hand. Imagine pushing carts and loading them with dozens and dozens of notebooks. going from aisle to aisle picking up items. One person trying to keep track of what we had picked up. One person keeping track of what was being spent. One person on the phone, touching base with people in Seneca to find out what was still needed. And along the way, lots of laughs were noted. How can you not have fun doing this! Knowing the joy it will bring to others, there is no better feeling.

While we were there, we did have to ask if there were more of some items in the back room, that had not been brought out yet. During one of these discussion, one of the workers said that we were the 5th group in there that day, buying supplies that were going to be donated to others in need. This is such a wonderful feeling, knowing that people are willing to help. Gives so much hope for the future. And keeps you wanting to be out there helping, teaching, and encouraging others to give of themselves to others. We can all help in some fashion. We all just need to find a way.

We hope that you enjoy this small look on our efforts for this event. We want to thank those for allowing us to be a part of this. And we hope that others that are reading this will continue to reach out to others, and that the movement spreads far and wide.

Since the fair is for the children, what better than to have activities for the kids. Bounce houses are always a hit.	Stations set up inside the gym. Different organizations donated items, for an outstanding event for the community.
More activity outside. Tents provide protection from the elements as well as a place to take a break from the activity.	More activity inside the building. We are thankful for everyone who donated to this event. Community coming together to help.
People gather to take a look at what is being offered.	More family friendly activities.
Even inside, there is plenty of room to move around. Showing the next generation how to help others.	Families in line to collect school supplies. Education is the key to a better future. And helping others is always the goal.