Backpack Project Complete,
Restoration of Building Under Way

More than 375 backpacks loaded with school supplies were donated by parishes all over the East Tennessee Diocese as part of the Appalachian School Supplies project for Campbell County children. In addition, more than $3,000 was collected for supplies for teachers and vouchers for children's shoes to be distributed by the school system by October 15.

The program, supported by Aid to Distressed Families of Appalachian Counties (ADFAC), was coordinated by volunteer Patty Chase, a communicant of St. James', Knoxville. The bookbags contained appropriate school supplies for those who will receive them in time to attend school. A woman from Campbell County who knew from personal experience about the need in that community donated a bag and sent a note thanking Patty Chase and the Episcopal community for the support and the compassion shown these children.

Restored Building to House Volunteers

A group of volunteers from St. Martin's, Chattanooga, led by Jim Hudson have been working on repairing and restoring a building in Campbell County. The building will be used to house volunteers who come to the county to work on projects. Jim and the work team, including Harry Chase from St. James', Knoxville, Marita Pratt and the members of St. Clare's, LaFollette, have installed a new roof and are now moving to the inside of the building. The completed dormitory will be designed to feed and sleep approximately 50 volunteers. It will be a key to getting help for Campbell County projects. Until this time there has not been a facility large enough to house a youth group or church group who have wanted to do mission work in the area. The future looks good for this dorm, thanks to the leadership and commitment of Jim Hudson. If you or your church group would like to assist on this project - painting or cleaning up the grounds - please contact Harry Chase at 865-524-0551.

Volunteers Get Hands-on Mission Experience

It may seem simple. Painting a ceiling in a kitchen that was blackened with coal soot and kitchen grease. But, this was a huge improvement in the quality of life for Jesse, age 86, who answered the question "What do you need?" with "I would like to have my ceiling painted." So the sturdy group of volunteers from St. Clare's, LaFollette, rallied.

With years of soot and smoke built up from her stove, the ceilings were dingy - almost black. First the ceilings had to be scrubbed. Before buckets could be filled with water, the sink had to be rebuilt. When the rotted flooring inside the cupboard and boards under the countertop were replaced, the scrubbing began. Now under the glow of a fresh coat of white paint, it became obvious that the stove needs to be replaced.

If you have a stove, or wish to donate money toward the purchase of one, contact Marita Pratt at 865-457-9100.