Philanthropy can start early, according to the Nehemiah Project’s Beth Trussell, and she’s got just the way for parents to get their children involved.
The organization will pack school supplies in some 3,500 backpacks for children in seven Hamilton County Title I schools on Saturday, and families can come to one of three locations and pack together.
“It’s a way to show your child that they can be a giver, a philanthropist,” said Ms. Trussell, executive director for the locally based organization. “It’s an opportunity to teach as well as to be charitable.”
The organization still needs $10 donations to fulfill this year’s obligations, she said.
“By this time,” she said, “we are usually closing the gap on this. But it’s so difficult for so many people to give. I even will take a donation the day of (the packing).”
Rosetta Russell, administrator of Mount Canaan Baptist Church, said her congregation has been a packing host for at least five years. She said with 25 to 30 volunteers working in assembly-line fashion, the task of filling more than 1,000 backpacks takes only 45 minutes to an hour.
“It helps us to fulfill our mission – to minister to the physical and spiritual needs of the city,” she said.
FAMILY PACKBackpacks for 3,500 children in seven Hamilton County Title I schools will be packed on Saturday at 9 a.m. at Abba’s House, 5208 Hixson Pike; Calvary Chapel Church, 3415 Broad St.; and Mount Canaan Baptist Church, 2800 N. Chamberlain Ave.The Nehemiah Project welcomes volunteers at all three sites and then for delivery to schools the following week.Individuals who want to donate $10 for the supplies for one or more backpacks can make a check payable to The Nehemiah Project, P.O. Box 25351, Chattanooga, TN 37422, or by credit/debit card by contacting the organization at 355-4093 or nehemiahpro@aol.com.
The backpacks, which are filled with paper, pencils, colored pencils, crayons, pencil sharpener, glue sticks and a ruler, will be distributed to all students in Bess T. Shepherd, Calvin Donaldson, Clifton Hills, East Lake, East Side, Orchard Knob and Woodmore elementary schools shortly after the school year starts Aug. 11.
The schools were chosen, according to Ms. Trussell, because they have the highest percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunches. All seven of the schools, she said, have between 96 and 99 percent of their students on the free or reduced-priced meals.
Dr. Jennifer Spates, assistant principal at Bess T. Shepherd, said the organization’s generosity allows all students to have what they need at the beginning of the year.
“Parents are willing to do their part,” she said, “but they cannot always do it in a timely fashion.”
Dr. Spates said the children are always anxious for and appreciative of the supplies.
“When they bring the backpacks,” she said, “you should see the kids’ faces light up.”
While Nehemiah Project officials purchase the school supplies in bulk so colors, brands and content will be the same, individuals, businesses and organizations may donate items so students’ supplies may be replenished during the year.