WHEELING — It’s nearly back-to-school time, and Bethlehem Apostolic Temple will again help students get ready and excited about the new school year.

The church’s annual distribution of school items kicks off this year’s “Adopt A Student” program and begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at the North Wheeling Dream Center. Patrons should drive around to the back entrance.

This year, in addition to the school supplies and clothes, there will be cleaning products available. Items such as mops, brooms and bleach will be offered to those still doing cleanup after June 14 flooding.

“We have never given out buckets, mops and bleach,” said Bishop Darrell Cummings. “That has never been a part of our focus.

“It’s totally all right if somebody doesn’t need cleaning supplies. Come get what you need. If you need it all, take it all. If you only need a few things, take a few things”

The church will also have female hygiene products available for distribution and will be providing bookbags with pencils and notebooks.

There will also be some food available to patrons who want it. Cummings reports there will be fruits, vegetables, ground meat, chicken, green beans, corn and pies provided.

There will also be some bicycles and a limited number of laptop computers available.

In addition, there will be clowns doing facepainting and free haircuts for students.

A second back-to-school event sponsored by the church will take place from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday at the Wheeling Park Amphitheatre that will focus on fun.

There will be inflatables there for youths to climb upon, as well as a gospel concert featuring Bishop MIchael Tollliver of Bellaire.

“We will have several hundred pieces of ice cream, as well as hamburgers and hot dogs. And everything is free,” Cummings said.

“We’re hoping for good weather. I am praying for all the kids to have a safe, prosperous year. I am hoping to send them back with a smile,” he added.