Local Church Brings Smiles with Back-to-School Supplies

Community Efforts to Support Students

As the school year approaches, students across the country are preparing for their return to the classroom. In response to this, various organizations and nonprofits have organized back-to-school events aimed at helping families with the costs of school supplies. These initiatives often include giving away backpacks filled with essential items, ensuring that every child has a fresh start.

One such event took place at the Bakersfield Central Seventh-day Adventist Church. On Friday, volunteers gathered to fill backpacks with supplies for students who would need them for the first day of school. The event was not just about providing materials—it was also about spreading joy and making a positive impact on the community.

Volunteers and Their Motivation

The church’s volunteers emphasized the importance of seeing the children’s happiness as a reward for their efforts. Arnold Hamilton, a volunteer with the Prayer Booth, shared his feelings about the event: “Anytime we can help anybody, it brings me a smile when you see a child’s smile in a child's face light up, you know you've done something good.” This sentiment reflects the heart of the volunteers, who are driven by the desire to make a difference in the lives of others.

Vanessa Webster, the Personal Ministry Secretary of the church, explained the reason behind hosting the event again. “We’re doing it again because we've seen the need in the community,” she said. She also highlighted the church’s commitment to being a community-driven organization. “We want to make sure that people know who we are and that there is a presence here, and that if they need anything, they can always reach out.”

Providing Essential Resources

Families with children between the ages of kindergarten and third grade were given free backpacks filled with supplies. This initiative helps reduce the financial burden on families, especially during times of economic hardship. Vestor Bradshaw, the Personal Ministries Leader, noted the significance of this effort. “It definitely means a lot to our church to be able to provide backpacks to kids,” he said. He added that with rising costs and inflation, many families struggle to meet their basic needs. “We want to definitely be able to provide some resources for families to where they can have less stress with their kids going back to school.”

In addition to the backpacks, the church set up a prayer booth and other resources for families who may need more than just supplies. Arnold Hamilton and Krista Patt, who lead the Prayer Ministry, emphasized the inclusive nature of the church. “That's what the church is for,” said Hamilton. “It's open doors to anybody and everybody, homeless, poor, rich. It doesn't matter.” Patt added, “Literally, the church is to help people, no matter who you are or where you're from.”

A Holistic Approach to Community Support

The event also included food and opportunities for community service providers to share their resources. Vanessa Webster described the event as a way to “break bread with the community.” She mentioned that the church offered food and encouraged local service providers to contribute. “We’ve provided a prayer booth, we got that station up because we know people want to vent. They want to know what's going on. Why do they feel a certain way? So, we just want to give an opportunity to hear their voice, that they're loved by us.”

For those who could not donate a backpack, the church’s office was open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The church is located at 4201 Wilson Rd. in Central Bakersfield, making it easily accessible to the community. Through these efforts, the Bakersfield Central Seventh-day Adventist Church continues to demonstrate its commitment to supporting families and fostering a sense of belonging within the community.