Photo by Joselyn King Bishop Darrell Cummings, right, and his wife Latisha show an example of some of the items that will need to be collected by the church during Bethlehem Apostolic Temple’s annual “stuff the bus” event on Saturday morning.

WHEELING — The public is invited to come “stuff the bus” with supplies for school children who need them this Saturday in North Wheeling.

The Bethlehem Apostolic Temple will host its annual “stuff the bus” event beginning at 10 a.m. in the church parking lot, 330 Main St, Wheeling. The bus is provided by Ohio County Schools.

“It is an opportunity for anyone who would like to come help us to help others,” said Bishop Darrell Cummings. “That’s when we collect anything from the community that they would like to give.

“They can bring clothing, notebooks, pencils… or just donate a financial gift.”

In past years, the church held its event in front of stores that sold school supplies. But during the COVID pandemic, the businesses asked them to refrain from this practice. It was then the church decided to collect back-to-school items in the church parking lot.

“We do recognize it takes a special angelic spirit to come to North Wheeling to donate and help, and we appreciate those who do.”

The “stuff the bus” event on Saturday precedes the church’s annual back-to-school supplies distribution, which is set for 10 a.m. Aug. 24.

The church is also sponsoring a back-to-school festival the following day beginning at 5 p.m. Aug. 25 at the Wheeling Park Amphitheatre. There will be amusement rides and food, and the cost is free.

“Everything is free — the rides, the food and the singing afterwards,” Cummings said.

Cummings acknowledged the church’s back-to-school events are happening well after most youths in the area have returned to school.For many students and their families, it may be their last chance to obtain needed school items, he continued.

“If you couldn’t get help from anybody else, we’re the last agency doing it this time,” Cummings explained. “We would love to help you if you need it.”

“There’s nothing to be ashamed of in needing help.”

He continued that once the church has “adopted” a school student, they may return to future distributions at Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter for school supplies. If they need something in between, they are encouraged to just come ask the church.

“That’s what makes us unique. We do this not just one time a year,” Cummings explained. “When we adopt students, we adopt them for the whole year. If we have supplies to give out we will share away. And at each distribution event we will give out more.”