Backpacks Given to Help Fill A Need

by Pam Doty, Editor
On the ninth day of August, vehicles loaded down with school backpacks and all the necessary supplies to fill them, left St. James’, Knoxville, in route to Campbell County school children.

More than 650 backpacks were loaded up with pencils, paper, notebooks, erasers, scissors, glue, and pens by churches all across the Diocese of East Tennessee (and one church in Maryland who heard about the project) in response to the Appalachian Resource Team’s mission project. Backpacks were filled for primary, middle and high school students.

The primary goal was to provide 600 filled backpacks to children in the Campbell County area who would otherwise face the choice of eating or buying school “stuff.”

The secondary goal was to educate people about the needs in depressed areas and to involve them in making a difference.

Both goals were overwhelmingly met.

Patty Chase, coordinator of the effort for the Appalachian Resource Team, said, “This is so wonderful! People helping with this project have discovered similar needs in their own communities and are looking for ways to address them. The project is spreading beyond Campbell County.”

Carolyn Dicer, Bishop’s Deputy for Program and Appalachian Resource Team member, said, “To all of you who worked to make this mission a success we thank you. Your enthusiasm and generosity are deeply appreciated and your message of hope has been carried into the world. Your monetary gifts will continue to provide school supplies (and in some cases, shoes) throughout the school year. Together, as a Diocese, we surpassed our goal of 600 back packs for the children in need in Campbell County.

Many thanks to all the volunteers who helped with the logistics of this mission:

The Rector and Staff of St. Martin's, Chattanooga, for their great service in handling the 300 back packs left at their doors; to St. Christopher's, Kingsport, and St. James, Knoxville, for serving as collection points; the drivers and school supplies loaders who made delivery day a joy.

Special thanks to Patty Chase, St. James, Knoxville, our Appalachian School Supplies Coordinator, and a volunteer with ADFAC (Aid To Distressed Families in Appalachia) for her tireless efforts and skilled coordination.”

The backpacks were taken to eleven schools and three pick-up points in Campbell County for distribution to children who need them.