Rock of Refuge church in Jeannette to give out free school supplies

One local church is helping students prepare for the coming school year by handing out free school supplies.

Rock of Refuge Congregational Church in Jeannette is hosting its second-annual school blessing Aug. 3, when they will give out supplies to about 300 local students from preschool to 12th grade. The students will receive new book bags, markers, colored pencils, paper, notebooks, index cards, hygiene items and more.

Maggie James, director of children’s activities at the church, started the event last year after a friend told her, “‘You are enabling every child to go into school prepared that otherwise may not be,’ and the comparison is when you have the children that have everything … but maybe their classmates don’t,” James said. “That’s the driving force, is to make sure all those kids go to school fully prepared to get their educations.”

More than 240 students from Irwin, Greensburg, Hempfield and Jeannette received supplies last year, she said.

This year, the event is split into two sessions — 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. — where students will first sit through a short prayer and then “shop” for their items, meaning they get to pick the color book bag they want and then stuff it with items of their choosing.

Donations have been made by businesses in the community and sponsor Huntingdon Bank, but James said the church is still looking for donations of hygiene items, specifically shampoo, deodorant, tooth brushes and toothpaste.

Those interested in donating can take the items to the church, located at 102 Clay Ave., or contact James at 724-953-7578.

“The parents are thrilled,” James said. “They are so thankful. Last year I got multiple emails, letters … thanking us for doing it. They were amazed at the quality and they were amazed at the quantity. There’s nothing they have to buy to start the school year.”

So far, about 200 students are registered for the August event. Those interested in attending must pre-register by stopping into the church. Children must attend the event in order to receive free school supplies.