Bethlehem Apostolic Temple sets ‘Stuff the Bus’ event
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WHEELING - The start of the school year is still more than a month away, but plans for an annual effort to help students get supplies, encouragement and joy before returning to class are already set.
A "Stuff The Bus" event has been set to happen from 10 a.m.-noon on Aug. 1 in the parking lot at Bethlehem Apostolic Church. Items collected will be distributed during the church's annual back-to-school distribution to begin at 10 a.m. a week later on Aug. 8 at the North Wheeling Community Dream Center.
The church is seeking notebooks, pens, pencils, book bags and any other school-related things that learning more fun and exciting for students.
While school supplies are at the forefront of the fall collection, the church is also collecting food items for families. Unlike other distribution events sponsored by the church, food items aren't the primary focus of the back-to-school event but are still needed, according to Bishop Darrell Cummings.
"Anything people bring we will be grateful," he said. "(School supplies) have gotten more expensive. "This is the one giveaway where we don't concentrate on food. But we still give out fruits and vegetables and meats and canned goods.
"The first meal of the school year is important. The family that eats together stays together."
Cummings and the Bethlehem Apostolic Church have been doing holiday and back-to-school giveaways since 1990. Their goal with the upcoming event is to assist at least 500 students and their families.
"I don't know how many thousands we've helped over the years at our events, but the last count was over 20,000," he said. "And some have grown up and come back to help us help other people."
There are no residency or income requirements for distributions at Bethlehem Apostolic Church.
Cummings indicated he is also happy that other organizations do back-to-school events to assist youths and their families.
"We are grateful to be a small pebble in the ocean of public assistance to the community," he said.
Cummings noted it is hard for him to believe it has been over 35 years that the church has been doing food and back-to-school distributions.
"For some reason - maybe it's the economy - it is getting harder and harder to get sponsors," he said. "We've either lost sponsors or they have lowered their amounts.
"We've not blessed as of yet to get that $1 million grant. We have to get by on fragments. We are grateful, and also thankful for all those who have allowed us to help," Cummings added.
The church is also sponsoring a back-to-school festival beginning at 5 p.m. on Aug. 9 at the Wheeling Park Amphitheater.
Those wanting more information on how to donate or participate should call the church at 304-233-8899, or visit BethlehemApostolicTemple.org.