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Dear SSUMC Friends,
I want to keep you informed on what is happening with Backpacks on a Mission.
I am happy to announce that Backpacks on a Mission was awarded the MLK Day of Service, A Day On, Not a Day Off grant for 2019. We were awarded $5000.00. God is Good!!
With this grant, we will purchase packaged food for our Backpack students which we now serve 108. These groceries should get us through April (more on this in a bit).
We have many events planned during the January 12-27, 2019 time frame to honor Dr. King.
From January 13 through January 27, there will be a church wide food drive. The bins with MLK posters are set up in the lobby. There are “wish list” papers to be handed out. With your help in your overwhelming support of Backpacks on a Mission, our goal is to get enough food to fill our menu for May. You think that $5000.00 should be plenty for the 4 months, but it’s not. There are other items that are purchased out of this award (more on that in a bit). The cost of packaged purchased food for February through April is just a bit over $4200.00. Your food donations will greatly help us complete the school year.
On Friday, January 18, 2019, Corr Elementary will present 3rdgraders in the MLK Essay Contest. This is Corr’s fourth year for presenting their essays. These students are amazing when it comes to research, writing and presenting their essays. We will have a special guest with us this day. Dr. Stacy Hahn, Hillsborough County School Board member will be in attendance. The Rev Cory Britt will be in attendance at all three essay events. There will be 14 finalists. Each finalist will receive a book on MLK: Martin’s Big Words: The Life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The 1st, 2ndand 3rdplace winners will receive gift cards from Center State Bank who is one of our sponsors. These gift cards do not come out of the grant just in case you’re wondering. Corr’s address is: 13020 Kings Lake Dr, Gibsonton, Florida 33534, if you would like to come and listen to the presentations. We will start at 815am and should be done by 945am. If you should come, you will need a photo ID to enter the school (this is the law at all schools).
On Saturday, January 19, 2019 is when we will pick up the big order at SAM’S. We partner with HCC, Student Government Activities from Ruskin. The students help us with picking up the order then stocking our pantry. Another group of HCC students, church families and girl scouts will meet at the church at 10am to pack bags for the following week. This is how the students learn about giving and what is done in the process. Afterwards, we will share refreshments with all those that help us that day.
On Wednesday, January 23, there will be another MLK Essay Contest. This one will be at Summerfield Elementary School. This is Summerfield Elementary’s first year to present their essays and I’m excited to hear what they have prepared. All prizes are the same as with Corr Elementary. Summerfield Elementary address is: 11990 Big Bend Road, Riverview, Florida 33579. The time is 815am to 945am if you are interested in attending.
On Thursday, January 24, will be our last MLK Essay Contest for the year. This will be at Summerfield Crossings Elementary School. This is Crossings second year to present their essays and I’m excited to hear their presentations. All prizes are the same as with the other two schools. Crossings address is:11050 Fairway Meadow Dr, Riverview, Florida 33579. The time is 815am to 945am if you are interested in attending.
This about sums up the MLK events for 2019. I am so honored and blessed to be a part of this wonderful ministry. I want to personally thank all of the hard working volunteers who make this ministry happen. It is true when people say, it takes a village!! Indeed, it does. Your overwhelming support is proof of that. Thank you all so much!!
Here is the Wish List for MLK 2019:
Peanut Butter (plastic) 18oz
Jelly assorted (plastic) 20oz
Chewy Granola bars
Snack pack pudding Assorted
Instant Oatmeal-Variety Packages
Breakfast Bars- Variety
Canned or Cups Ravioli or Mac & Cheese
Individual packages of chips or cookies
Individual pb or cheese and crackers
Individual cups of fruit or applesauce
Cereal, assorted small boxes
Fruit snacks, Individual
Peanuts, individual bags
Sweet and Salty, individual
Slim Jims
Goldfish
Soup, small cans
Tuna packed in water or Salad Snack