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FUM starts Back(Pack) 2 School project

Dean Black is on a mission – getting the word out to Fayette County in-need families that the First United Methodist Church of Vandalia has a Back(Pack) 2 School program for children preK-12.

The First United Methodist Church of Vandalia outreach committee is working in conjunction with First Presbyterian Church of Vandalia’s Tools for School project. Thrivent, congregations, businesses and local residents, have been generous in their donations toward free backpacks.
The plan is to give the students backpacks of good quality on Aug. 11, from 4-8 p.m., backpacks that they can take to the Tools for School program site at the Presbyterian Church and have them filled with needed school supplies.
Black said that many have worked on the plan and gave Kim Warner special recognition for her dedicated and tireless work on the project, as well as the volunteer supporters and donors who have made the backpack project possible.
How to Get A Backpack
Black said that in-need students must be accompanied by adults in picking up backpacks on the evening of Aug. 11 at First United Methodist church, and they are to use the rear entrance, off of the parking lot on the west side of the chuch.
The church is located at: 127 N. Fourth St., Vandalia.
Filling the Backpacks
The student may take the backpack to First Presbyterian Church on one of the Tools for School distribution days (Aug. 12-15) to have it filled with supplies. First Presbyterian Church is located at 1221 W. Fillmore St. in Vandalia.
Supporters of the program with displays include 6:35 Food Pantry, Alpha PSI sorority, area health professionals, Sandy Stombaugh and Julie DePaolo, Fayette County Hospital, Fayette County Health Department, First Presbyterian Church, First United Methodist Church. First United Methodist Preschool, Free Haircuts by Linda Moreland, Donna Johnson and Maranatha  Cripe & staff, Habitat for Humanity, Marion Eye Centers & Optical, Ponderosa Steakhouse, Sweet Pea Consignment Boutique, SONIC Drive-in and SUBWAY.
Supporters include Eye Care of Vandalia. Dairy Queen, Embers Wood Fired Pizza, Fulton & Dunn Dental. Joe’s Pizza, McDonald’s, Starmax Theater, Hair Stop, Thrivent Financial, Vandalia Dental Associates, WPMB and WJLY.
Family Fun Night
Black said there will be a Family Fun Night, with chances to win many prizes, including gift certificates at local restaurants and church camp scholarships for the summer of 2016, leading up to the grand prizes – two new bicycles.
Drawings will begin at 8 p.m. Local beauticians will also be providing free haircuts.
Another of Black’s Favorite Missions is …
… Vacation Bible School, which starts on Sunday and runs through next Thursday, from 5-8 p.m. Evening meals will be served and a lot of fun is in store, with a grand finale on Thursday evening.
Children needing a ride to VBS can call 283-3654.
 
 

Dean Black of First United Methodist Church is shown with one of the backpacks that will be given out during the Back(Pack) 2 School distribution at the church on the evening of Aug. 11.

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