Published: July 21, 2008 10:53 pm         

Church seeks school supplies

Staff reports



North Garland Church of Christ is continuing its tradition of purchasing school supplies to be distributed to local children.

Its drive runs through Aug. 10; however, a garage sale benefit will be held Saturday to raise money for the project.

The garage sale will be at 703 N. Garland and will include a bake sale, classic cars, a barbecue lunch and a News 9 softball game at 5 p.m.

Organizers say college sports celebrities also will be on hand. Donations for the garage sale are welcome. Call 237-4658 for information.

The school supply drive has become a big community service project for North Garland Church of Christ. In past years, their drive has provided school supplies for 1,000 children.

It is a confidential process in which students are provided with the materials they need. Area counselors say the program has helped them make sure students have the essentials and supplies in order to be ready to learn on the first day of school.

All funds collected will be used to purchase supplies as well as gift cards for clothing. Last year, more than $5,000 in gift cards were purchased to help provide clothing and shoes for students who often do without the basic essentials.

“It’s so nice to have a resource that helps us take care of kids with no other means of buying clothing or supplies,” wrote Jan Hill, a counselor at Waller Junior High School. “Without financial support from North Garland Church and other generous contributors, it would be difficult to address their needs.”

“North Garland Church of Christ and the people, churches and businesses involved in this project are impacting the lives of local children,” said Amber Graham Fitzgerald, Enid Public Schools director of community and school relations. “It is my hope this wonderful program will continue to grow and touch more lives.”