Our church recently participated in the City of Mount Vernon’s, Back to School Book Bag & School Supply Giveaway. An initiative of the Mayor’s Office, Mount Vernon Department of Recreation and other city departments and in conjunction with the city’s faith-based community, this event took place on Saturday, September 8th, 2018, in Hartley Park, from 12 to 4. This wasn’t just a backpack and school supplies giveaway. Games, sporting activities, art and crafts, playground activities and food were also provided for the community.
By coming together with other churches and community-based organizations, enough money raised to purchase 2,000 bags filled with school supplies. The mission was to take those 2,000 bags and distribute them to those in need. When the time came, Mt. Vernon church members volunteered to hand out bags to many jovial, excited, and grateful children.
Families had the opportunity to visit different stations to meet and greet with the faith-based organizations as well. Many children and families visited our church’s table at the event. Visitor’s received snacks, booklets, pamphlets, health screenings and the chance to get their blood pressure checked. We were grateful for the opportunity to meet our neighbors in a different setting.
Some might be thinking, “Why are they not in church?” Well, I am reminded of the text in 1 John 3:17 that says, “But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” Moreover, the bible says in Hebrews 13:16, “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” In other words, if you have something an individual needs, and you don’t help them; how are allowing God’s love to show through you? How are you helping others? No matter the day or the time it is always the time to help someone in need; not just because it looks good, but because it is pleasing in the eyes of our Father.
