Dear friends,

I think that no matter how old we get, or how long it has been since we had kids in school, part of the rhythm of our lives still revolves around the school year. The chance at a clean slate and a year of possibilities ahead of us can be exciting. Part of the excitement also involves getting new things for the new year, maybe new clothes, new shoes, and definitely new school supplies. Even when I went back to seminary at age 35, I got excited about new school supplies. But not all families anticipate the new school year with excitement. Some struggle with all the new things that a new school year requires. So we are going to help. Our outreach chair Suzanne Johnson explains this project below:

St. Dunstan’s Outreach Back-to-School partnership with Solidarity—Deadline July 23rd

The start of a new school year can hold great promise and excitement for returning students. As many parents buy the needed back-to-school items, they know they are providing the essential tools to help their children do their best work in school. The new equipment can be a tangible encouragement and support for their students’ success.

For some families, providing these basic school supplies is not feasible. St. Dunstan’s is partnering again with Solidarity to help the expected 800 children in Sandy Springs schools who otherwise would not have the tools and encouragement they will need for the start of school. Although Sandy Springs is a relatively affluent area, approximate 13% of children under 18 live in poverty (annual income of $30,000 or less for a family of four). Here is how we can help.

* Provide new backpacks—sizes 13”-19”, or indicated as appropriate for students ages 5-18. These can be purchased in local stores or ordered online.

* Provide supplies to go inside the backpacks by ordering bulk items from the wish list on Amazon. Here is the link to use: https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3LV2JVME8XDD7?ref_=wl_share

Our goal is for St. Dunstan’s to provide at least 30 backpacks and a plentiful supply of the items on Solidarity’s wishlist. Please bring you items to the red wagon area in the entranceway and they will be delivered to Solidarity. The deadline for getting items to the church is July 23rd. — Suzanne

I look forward to seeing our narthex full of backpacks and supplies!

With love,

Tricia

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