School supplies, shoe vouchers distributed

Saturday, August 8, 2009
Members of the congregation at Community Christian Church distribute school supplies and shoe vouchers to area families on Aug. 1. The church has helped about 175 students through the school supply program. --Submitted photo

Following the example set for them by a higher power, one church congregation reached out to members of the local community, showing love and helping to meet needs.

When Community Christian Church discovered the Beacon, a local organization that provides help for low-income families in Bourbon County, would not be able to conduct its yearly school supply program, the church decided to fill the gap. According to Community Christian Church Involvement and Discipleship Minister Tim Woodring, the church organized a school supply project that would help meet the needs that the Beacon would be unable to meet.

"We were able to pick that (school supply program) up and still meet the need that was out there," Woodring said. "Just because the Beacon couldn't meet the need, didn't mean the need wasn't there."

According to Woodring, by distributing school supplies and shoe vouchers to more than 175 children on Aug. 1, the church was able to demonstrate the love Christ has for everyone.

"We're doing it because we want to show God's love," Woodring said. "This is a practical way to show God's love. God shows his love to us in so many ways, and we count it a privilege to be able to do the same. We are His instruments by allowing God to use us to show His love. It really is a privilege."

Woodring said the church had been brainstorming ways to reach out to the local community when the opportunity to conduct the school supply program developed.

After only one announcement informing congregation members of the church's plan to help alleviate the need many area families would have, donations of school supplies and money began to pour in.

"I was blown away by the generosity of our congregation," Woodring said. "I made one announcement and money just started pouring in because they (congregation) saw the need. We're always looking for way to meet the needs in our community. We have a congregation whose generosity just blows me away. The members understand the concept that God requires sacrifice to give and reach out and do things beyond our own capabilities, and He always provides what's needed at the time."

Woodring said even though the Beacon did not have enough funds to conduct the school supply give-a-way, the organization still helped with the program by helping the church make contact with the local families who were most in need of the supplies.

The Southeast Kansas Community Action Program was also instrumental in helping the church locate those with the most need.

According to Woodring, the program would not have been possible without the help of Wal-Mart, Woods Grocery Store and Valu Merchandise.

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